PB 





Book »"fe^- 



ANCIENT ORAL RECORDS 

Ms* 

OF THE « « T V 

CIMRI, OR BRITONS, 

3d %m ml <tapr, 

EECOYEBED 

THROUGH A LITERAL ARAMITIC TRANSLATION OF THE OLD 
WELSH BARDIC RELICS. 

BY G. D. BARB^k. A.M., 

ATTTHOK OF " SrG-GESTIO>~S OH THE AJTCTEFT BBTTOWS." 



LONDON : 

J. B. SMITH, 26, SOHO SQUARE. 

1855. 



.34 



MACINTOSH, PRINTER, 
GREAT NEW-STREET, LONDON. 



TO HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY, 



THESE RECOVERED ANNALS 



OF HER PEOPLE, 



ARE, WITH 



DEVOTED LOYALTY, 



INSCRIBED. 



PREFACE. 



The reader is here presented with an Aramitic composition,* 
which purports to have been delivered orally at a school-meeting 
in Wilts, t at some period before the Christian era. This Aramitic 
original gives verbatim, and in the exact order of the words, the 
version on the right hand and also that on the left; the latter 
being, with the omission of insitive particles, an approved English 
edition of the very ancient Welsh poem extant, in several early 
copies entitled the " Gododin ; or, Battle of Cattraeth? This 
left-hand page, a paronomastic text, or system of puns (some 
6,000), formed to that original, is in the " Gododin " very cleverly 
maintained. Another poem, " Gworcam Maeldrew" here given, 
is a case of less felicitous punning, words in close proximity being 
frequently contradictory, — as, for example, the expression "pro- 
foundly shallow, deep;" and throughout it requires all the preju- 
dices in favour of ancient local literature to class it a sense-com- 
position. J The right-hand page, rendering literally the same 

* Here written from left to right. 

f The latter series is described as of Camelot in Somerset. 

X On one side of the account we have nothing Aramitic nor British. Nor 
is this all, there is nothing of British or Cimric history in any other ancient 
publications in Britain (except that of Grildas, of the sixth century, which takes 
a cursory glance at the scene then in action), as the "Bruts," by Tysilio, of the 
eighth century, and the other Bruts appear to have been distinctly Celtic, 
ante- dating the formation of the Welsh, or mixed Celt -Cimric, language. The 
fables, or facts, of the Bruts are Celtic merely. G-eofrrey, of Monmouth, in 
editing Tysilio, rendered his author into Latin, thence into Welsh. This latter 
tongue, formed after the exclusion of the Cimri from the east of Offa's dyke, 
and having their (Aramitic) grammatical inflexions grafted on a vocabulary 
almost entirely Celtic (with a few striking exceptions of Aramitic words), could 
scarcely have been matured earlier than the tenth century. There are extant 
records in Welsh at the eleventh century. 



VI PREFACE. 

original Aramitic, gives scenes of Aram, Ararat, or Armenia. 
Hud, the patriarch of the Arabs, and the Abram of the Hebrews, 
is the hero and primitive leader of the " Cimri," or K&N-?narah 
(Great Ken), at their original site near Lake Yan and in the 
subjacent plains of the Zab and neighbouring Ur and Uz. These 
localities are familiarly named, and the event, among others, 
detailed in the fourteenth chapter of Genesis, is here given with 
all the particulars. The irruption of the Hindus from Coshier, 
here also styled " Gododin," " Anak," and " Rooken," is given in 
plain and distinct terms (the same also occurs in several other of 
the Welsh poems, when recovered through the Aramitic), although 
this fact is only extant hitherto as involved in that of the " Hindu- 
European -languages," and perhaps in some of the subjects of the 
Nineveh sculptures. 

In the Welsh records we have a plain Aramitic stanza, the only 
one perhaps preserved in the original language when the oral 
compositions were committed to writing. It occurs in the Gawd 
Llud, and is given in the " Britannia after the Romans" p. lviii., 
in the following terms, with the prefatory lines of the Welsh poem, 
" Out of the sacred poems they cry aloud," — a passage which 
appears to follow something about "King Managon" (Monak\ 
meaning, in Aramitic, {Royal) Collar, We divide each line to 
show the usual Aramitic " parallelism," correspondence, or repeti- 
tion, of the meaning of the two parts : — 



Ar anant 


Oniant 


Up ! Honi to ye, 


Honi to ye, 


Brith 


Y Brith ai 


Britons ! 


Britons, ah ! 


Neu oes 


Neuedd 


Thou art wanderer. 


Wanderings. 


Brith 


Y Brith hai 


Britons 


Britons, Ah ! 


Syched 


Eddi eu roi 


Awake ! 


Know, ye are naked. 



This same " Honi " occurs at the commencement of each stanza 
in the " Hoionam Merddin," to which it gives perhaps the title, 
" Merd" signifying affliction ; and it appears always to be so 
applied. The " prophecies of Merddin " will turn out to be " the 
sorrows of the prophets" by which latter word their bards are 
often styled ; or it will be " the outpourings of affliction" In 
"Brit." a, /?., 29:— 



PREFACE. Vll 

" St. John the Divine Honi hds " Honi," sacred 

Hath called me Merddin. Kra Mrd Cry in trouble. 

At length every King Ark-kl mlk Hirelings of Kings 

Will call me Taliesin." Kra Tin iss Bow to old song. 

The phrase for the chief of the executive, or of his office, is 
usually by a periphrasis, " Bath Honi," " daughter of care." The 
expression, " Bath Honi," is involved in various puns. " Betani," 
pig-nuts and boivels, also. " daughter of Anne." The " Hoianam," 
commencing in each stanza with " Honi zrzr," an expression 
strangely travestied in the Welsh, here follows : — 

Honi ! * Garter of Garters, glorious ! 

How to praise thee, the crown to all the Ken. 

Honi, G-arter of Grarters ! known 

Of old, the standard of vengeance 

Long ago, when Shadai was entitled, among the warriors of Uz, 

Way-divider, leader of leaders to the houses of the grave. 

Honi, G-arter of Grarters ! Honi ! ye constituents 

Who appoint the crown to the noble of business. 

Honi ! G-arter of Garters ! help 

In trouble and disaster, assuaging wounds. 

The Garters neglect not, oh, Ken ! 

Honi ! Garter of Garters, blessed Garter ! 

Of the Ken- officer, glorious yoke ! Praise to God. 

Belt-exalted ensign on attack, 

Staff of the nock, purple garter ! 

# Translated as follows : — Herbert," Neo Druids" 123. 

Give ear, little pig, bethink thyself ; Hona zr hzr hsb 
Attend to thy birds, vivid in the tone of their hymns. K-sb zpr ar kl kn 

Give ear, little pig, pig, knowledge Hona zr hzr zr idy 
Burrow (not) impulsive course, mountain-head ; Kbr dk-hl-cl-hr-rs 

Burrow in secret place, neighbour, woodland. Kbr Sdi shm krb Uz 

Bhydarch Hael, lead, faith, search out. Ky-drk ail ail bt Sal 

Give ear, little pig, listen, music, Hona zr hzr hona ml 

Which birds make near Caer Rheon. Zpr ho she hr-r-honi 

Give ear, little pig, strong of arm, Hona zr hzr oz-zry 

Hark, note of sea-bird, great clamour, Honi [o] ml shrk hdl hi 

Outdoor song no portion of dignity. Hoz-rn lo hlk kn 

Give ear, little pig, bless pig. Hona zr hzr brk zr 

(When) Saxon (Sars-kn) sit in serpent, God. Srs-kn hsb nk-s-b El 

Resort, distant, west, castle. Bn [t] sgb sml dk 

Again, apparel, gay appearance, bright. Syn adr ar-agm zrh 



Till PREFACE. 

The next, from " Cad Godden," translated, Herbert, N. Dru., 

119:— 

When I come to Grass-plot of Boar 

He shall explain and again render inexplicable^ 

He shall explain the languages. 

Radiance is his name, the strong -headed ; 

Of the hue of light his numbers 

Sprinkle themselves in the fire. 
Lines 1 to 4 present only " garter " in seven puns on that word. 
Lines 5 and 6, " Blue badge of the British Ty things." 

See further specimens on the garter in " Suggestions on Ancient 
Britons," from which are the following observations on this case : 
— " No serious attention is now given to the tale from an Italian 
writer ('Polydore,' Virgil), about the Duchess of Salisbury's 
Garter. But she being the ' Fair maid of Kent/ wore the Kent 
emblem. The supposed original installation of the Order at the 
foundation of St. George's Chapel, Windsor, though resting on 
Froissart's authority, scarcely bears examination ; for he errs in 
the number, forty, assigned by him, for twenty-six, the true num- 
ber. The Libre Noir of the reign of Henry VIII. assigns the 
institution to Richard L, at the siege of Acre ; another account to 
Edward, at the battle of Cressy. 

" Mr. Beltz (< History of the Order of the Garter,' &c.) collects 
from the wardrobe accounts many details which rectify some of the 
preceding. Let us, however, from the veritable insignia of the 
Order, see what further may be suggested. 

" The Insignia are, the Blue Mantle, with its cords (in place of 
clasp or fibula) at the collar, the ribbon or collar, and the Garter. 
The pendant from the collar (the George) was, in the earliest 
representations, a Knight, with drawn sword pointing upward, or 
to his face, and surmounted by a book, with the motto, ' In this, 
protection/ or three words to that effect. In some cases, the 
mantle is represented spotted, or poudrie throughout its surface, with 
garters or bands, in the form which we are used now to designate 
in heraldic symbols, as garters. The sovereign is grand master, 
whose mantle is of wool : those of the other knights velvet or 
satin, 



PKEFACE. IX 

" The motto has been, at least from the days of Froissart, 
* Honi soit qui mal y pense ; ' and all interpretations concur in 
giving to ' Honi ' the meaning of evil. * 

" In the first place, Honi is Aramitic, as in the extract ' from 
the sacred poems ' (p. 61), and always means evil or trouble. The 
word never occurs in French, and the dictionaries de l'Academie, 
as well as others, have no example of its use, except from this 
motto : Hon occurs once in Moliere, as an exclamation of surprise. 

" Garter in Heraldry is a portion of a Bend, a Persian word, 
meaning to bind ; ' pale,' in heraldry, a division, is Pal, b^, to 
divide. The Belt of Knighthood occurs, as we have seen (Part II., 
c. vii.), in Archaic Hellenic institutions ; and, as early as records 
go (the Saxon have hitherto told the earliest truths), in Britain. 
We claim ' Knight errant,' and ' Knights of the Grand Inquest ' 
(Grand Jury, Part I., c. vi., vii.), for the Calovyd of the Cimri; 
as all romance accords the institution to the British Arthur. The 
motto of the Prince of Wales, 'Ich Dien,' is strictly that of those 
6 supreme servants ' of Britain. 

" In conclusion, the union of Herald and Armour-bearer, or the 
official title, ' Garter at Arms,' seems a novelty in the profession 
of arms, if we carry back our regard to ancient practice and 
classic chivalry. The Herald was certainly an officer of high 
dignity ; witness the tepoK-qpv^ of Eleusinian ceremonials, the Krjpv£ 
of Agamemnon's camp. But the Armour-bearer was a distinct 
and opposite character, which the ' Squire ' of modern chivalry 
expresses. 

" The fact, however, of the union, reported by the title ' Garter 

* " Wool, "iftS, Zainr, or Hamr, is a word preserved in c hammer-cloth,' the 
mantling for display of heraldic insignia, now only observed on the driver's 
seat of the family carriage : the same name probably applied to the banners of 
knight and noble, in solemn civic assemblies, or ceremonial processions. The 
woolsack of the Honse of Lords is apparently a relic of the hammer-cloth, 
though, like the garter, the woolsack has been assigned another origin, or as 
having originated on a particular, comparatively modern occasion. 

" The dictum that the coachman's hammer, for casual repairs, was deposited 
under the heraldic mantling of his seat, scarcely deserves the notice of our 
national lexicographer. 

" Hammersmith, near Shepherd's Bush and Notting-hill (rvu, a sheepcote), 
reports Wool-hythe." 



X PREFACE. 

at Arms,' seems to be detected in a notice of the British Queen, 
Cartismandua, of the Brigantes, by Tacitus {'Annals'). The 
Armour-bearer at her Court is named s Velocutus,' i. e., * Walcot,' 
referrible to ' walk/ )bn, a strictly Ar ami tic term. Taking this 
as a fact, it implies a provision or occasion for the presence of 
officers skilled in heraldry on the battle-field, or of the armour- 
bearer exercising herald-craft." " Ceridwen" is a Bardic involution 
of herald.—" Sugg." 261.* 

As to our Order of the " Bath," Arthur, or Arcturus, is refer- 
rible to " Rketz" (Aramitic) Bath, the constellation of this name 
appearing associated with the bathing season in this Kent cere- 
mony as in those of Thammuz and Adonis. The desecration of 
the Bath, of this sense, by the Syrian idolaters, suggests a cause 
for the silence of the " Gododin " in the case.t Arthur is a tradi- 
tional title, akin to that of British romance, in Sweden. The 
prominence of the same name as the rallying cry of the Britons, in 
their final struggle in the western corner of the island, is one of 
many arguments for admitting or supposing an emigration of the 
Cimri of the Baltic hither to renew their contest with their terrible 
Saxon neighbours. 

Seeing the Cimric abhorrence of symbolism in religion (carried 
even into the language of their prayers and declarations, always of 
expressive brevity), we have to account for this Arthurism, bath, 
or baptism ; referring to the " Suggestions on the Ancient Britons" 

* The ermine (in genere, iveaset) is another original British symbol ; it 
occurs in Brittany also as the name of an order of chivalry, of the Chateau 
d'Hermines, and as the heraldic symbol of the Counts of Brittany (three 
ermines passant), its "British" association being made out by the collar of 
that (Bretagne) order. Corn-ear is on the British coins : it indicates in Cimric, 
as before observed, " communes," including the peculiar British ty thing. The 
idea of ermine, in its applied sense, occurs in " Ermine " way, or street, and in 
the termination held (Cimric weasel) to the Ken and Yorken roads (Latine, 
IcenJield and Hykenheld) ; this word being sometimes, though rarely, adopted 
instead of drakon (dragon), signifying road, completing the title of chief of the 
British executive, Pen-clragon (Pen-held the variation), i.e., chief of the high- 
ways, the peculiar office, or charge, of the Arab chiefs to the present day, and 
specially required for the " Wanderers," a term constantly applied to themselves 
by the Ken, or Ken-marah, "Cimri." The sheriff, or " Belinus" ("our 
leader"), " Valentine" (sheriff-pricking), is investigated in the " Suggestions" 

f But see lines 263-4, where the Ken describe themselves as " the Bather 
Cushites of Van." 



PKEFACE. XI 

for the argument making "Arthur" the Bath, The only imme- 
diate aid towards a solution appears to consist in the origin of 
language or the primitiveness of the expression used for the occa- 
sion. In the Aramitic, " Im " may at first have signified exclu- 
sively water, as " Id " meant the hand, " Is" substance, " Ar" a 
stream, or flowing, " Aph," blowing, and, perhaps, " G," obstruc- 
tion, or difficulty and pain, and " B," various modifications of the 
relations of cause and effect, as son and father, instrument and its 
result, a building, &c. 

The first of these cardinal expressions from water took the idea 
of multitude, or plurality, in its indefiniteness, not as all, every 
one ; it became the inflexion denoting the plural of nouns. The 
extension of this applied meaning to the idea of mental or spiritual 
graces (its recognised application), may have been of very early 
adoption. It appears singularly appropriate to the indefinite 
emanations ever proceeding from the Almighty, whose primitive 
title in Ur, or Uz (the sites appear in the " Gododin " identical), 
was " Shadai," effusion ; an idea or expression apparently secondary 
to, or borrowed from, the other. When our Saviour, on the occa- 
sion of the last Supper, washed the feet of his disciples, that so 
" they might have part with Him," He appears to have recognised 
the primitive object of that ceremonial of " water and the Spirit ;" 
that is to say, they thereupon entered on a mission, or renewed 
life, in antagonism to all sensual weakness and offence. The 
" Calovyd," or " Knight-errant " (in the sense of serving on a mis- 
sion), the Arthurian soldier of the Cimri, by the bath and prayerful 
watching, was a being, or of an institution, intended in that of 
Christianity. Thierry (" History of the Norman Invasion ") says, 
" The Britons were perhaps the most sincere and zealous of Chris- 
tians." Nor is there any doubt that they immediately accepted 
that dispensation as realizing their primitive aspirations. 

Another title for the Deity, u Jah" signifying Beauty ( Vitringa), 
is also from the land of Uz, or Aram ; proved by its use in Job, 
and its occurrence in that one of the Psalms, the 68th, in which 
Shadai also occurs. This name was inscribed on the shrine of 
Delphi before the classic, or Ionian (Hindu), epoch in Greece ; the 



Xll PREFACE. 

idea survives in the modern Greek, " Kalokagathe," for handsome, 
while the idea really expressed is beauty and goodness. The 
abomination of the Greek Venus, like that of Adonis, of the Bath, 
or Bathers, shows the utter obliteration of the meaning of religion 
at the classic era on the shores of the Mediterranean. Whether 
the pretty conceit of Venus, formed from the sea-foam, were the 
exponent at some remote era of the Im and Jah, may appear a 
suggestion too light for the occasion. It is sufficient that we find 
the two ideas, whether represented in the one case by Im (water), 
or Shadai (effusion), and in the other by Jah (beauty), as a primi- 
tive union, or association of ideas, resulting in the constitution of 
that Ken, or Cimric civilization, of a peculiar cast, which, from 
Armenia, penetrated to the shores of the Atlantic and made day- 
light through the darkness of Europe. Whatever truth appears, 
and is felt, in these references to the primitive Ken, or Kent- 
people, spreads through a vast portion of the epochs of this world, 
and reminds us that mortal things and human means are for use 
and exercise here, and are not to be superseded by mere aspirations 
or declarations of however high import, or of however sincere a 
meaning ; that it were as easy to reduce 4,000 revolutions of our 
planet to a moment of time as to supersede, by a symbol, the 
struggles of one of our species with all that he lives to get the 
mastery of. In this conviction arose and endured our orders of 
" Knighthood," or servitude ; and with the loss of it, they will 
indicate their own decline and that of their race or nation. 

Perhaps in beauty was intended the beautiful of our species, as 
an assertion of the superiority of female excellence in the appre- 
ciation of those who anticipated that state of being when the 
antagonism of force, and what we style a masculine mind, will be 
without an object ; and when truth, without a foil, will shine forth 
in the exercise of power in its purity and plenitude. Here the sex 
are appreciated as the beauty of home, with significance and influ- 
ence undisputed and unbounded, whether in the case of a " goody " 
of the village or the matron-queen, — the hearth- spell of a palace. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The " God o din," — " Battle of Cattraeth," now appears to have for its 
subject the Game of Chess, of which it gives general descriptions in suc- 
cessive stanzas, assigning it to a Hindu inventor, Caw, of Gomer, as in 
Ferdushi. Chess has the Hindu name, " Shatranj," and " Chaturanj." Its 
European and modern title, " Chess," may perhaps be referrible to a 
Persian word of similar sound to ours, as Sir Wm. Jones suggested, or to 
" Shah," king ; the latter idea is that of Dr. Duncan Forbes (" London 
Illustrated News," August, 1854), to whom and to Sir Frederick Madden 's 
treatise we owe several particulars that are taken up in the Gododin. The 
colours were four, — black, green, red, and yellow, and the parties four, 
until afterwards united into two under their Kings, the abdicated King 
became "Queen;" in Hindu, "Mantre;" in Persian, "Farzan;" i.e., 
Wurzeer, or Vizieer, or Prime Minister. The other principal pieces are 
the " Rook," a Hindu word, adopted in the Persian, and there meaning hero, 
— in the Hindu, rook, or ratha, means ship ; the Bishop, styled variously 
Pyll, Elphin, afterwards " leaper," and " fool," — in the Hindu, " Hasti." 

The above names severally occur in the Gododin : the title, " Echech- 
ing," and " Cheks," or " Chesk," being also given. The Queen, or Furzan, 
is generally represented here with a trumpet ; this is descriptive of the 
British herald, if the mise en scene be not Persian or Hindu in this case. 

The Gododin subjects, as well the principal one, Chess, as the collateral 
matter of general history, recur throughout the Myvyrian Archaeology, of 
which about forty of the poems have been recovered, in specimens of from 
half a dozen lines to 300, rendered into, and recovered from, the Aramitic 
to the extent, in the whole, of at least 1,200 lines. 

Hoping that the supplement of this work of recovery will be undertaken 
by others, the reader's attention is called to the subjoined list of various 
readings from six authentic Welsh copies : these variations, generally con- 
verging to one meaning in the Aramitic, so far prove the correctness of that 
base of the present version. Aramitic words occur throughout the Welsh 



XIV INTRODUCTION. 

as proper names. Attention is also requested to the recovery of the Lord's 
Prayer in two several paranomastic disguises, — an unmistakable proof in 
the case, He concludes by describing the process of recovery of these 
originals. By practice it becomes a lighter task. 

A literal Aramitic (Hebrew) translation of the Welsh is made out for a 
stanza, or for a paragraph, averaging ten lines, all the Aramitic synonyms 
being set down for each word : the purest Aramitic is to be used, as in 
the Psalms, Job, and the Pentateuch. Next a selection is made from the 
synonyms to obtain a coherent text in groups averaging about three lines : 
perhaps five such new texts may occur in each group. Then each two 
contiguous groups are to be tried together, there being twenty-five experi- 
ments to be made in each case. Lastly, these double groups are to be tried 
with each other, and that selected which makes the most coherent whole : 
this result can never be mistaken.* 



* Translation of the "Wand of Moses," in the 

" Neo-Druids" of the Hon. Algernon Herbert, A literal rendering from the 
p. 129, with corresponding Hebrew unin- Aramitic (Hebrew), 

fleeted : — 

God oui 



And thou 

father 100 

God the Institutor 
Wert a benign enchanter 
Very energetic 
When thou didst preserve 
Through the waves 105 

The multitudes of Moses 
Pervading sovereign 
Woe to his enemy 
Hath he practised witchcraft 
Against the Creator and his 
host 110 

Cursing in his fury 
And sent into the sea 
His freshly excited fury 

Truly he enticed him. 
Through the ragingwaters 115 
And the drowning and the 

noise 
And caused the sun to fail 
Till it was west of the earth 
Thou didst preserve and 

lovingly save 
Out of every prison 120 

All but the violent multitudes 



For " May " stood God who art father 


perhaps Maius 
Shemm 


God in heaven 


Avah hoshe 


Thy will be done 


Hoz cham 


Here verily 


eim 

meni moshe 


Where thou providest 
Through the graces of the 

spirit 
For the many redeemed. 


sheolshe 
Honi aib 


Unity in trinity ! 
Pity, oh ! father 


nesheph 
Bara alem 


Add 

Bread this day 


Alah hober 
Shelah eim 


Each transgression 
Loosen to each 


Hober 


Who makes blank to his 




offenders 


Chen 


Pray entice not 


Hober eim 
Sheteph Bal 


Into temptations 
And place aloof evil. 


Chadel Shemesh 


Great is thine ancient title 


Shemel Adam 


The name of God to men. 




Thy love preserve and save 


Chal alem 


All this assembly 


Ragesh 


Transcendant power possess- 




ing 



INTRODUCTION. 



XV 



Their dawning was sad for 

their country 
And the refuge for us also 
From the unruly passions 
Of unmerciful hell 125 

Was unto God our May-father 

God the Institutor 
The benign enchanter 
Strong is thy land of heaven 
Heavenly peace is joined 130 

To thee the Cery 

There is no overshadowing 

{query \ diffusing ?) 
And there are no wants 
To thy land O God ! 
There shall not be made 135 
Nor shall there be a foe to 

enter thy refuge 
I have known 



Boker honi adam 

Salem 
Honi eim 
Rashoi" Hades" 
Maius or Maioc (as 

before) 
Shemm 
Avah hoshe 
Hoz ai 
Shemaim 

lachem 
Cheri 
Lo pasch 

Lo rosh 

Lo hoshe 
Aib boa chasa 

idoi 



selah 



I have understood the ford irah barach 
By which to avoid shame, asher 
&c. 138 



Preceding all human admi- 
nistrations 
And dominion added to 
Governings 

For the sum of cycles I 
God who art father 

God in heaven, 
Thy will be done 
Sere as it is in heaven 
This day give us bread 

[To thee the harvest] 
Pray forgive 

To us our offences 
To thee-ward 
According to the measure 
Of our annulling. Abba! 

Help! 
Thy hand 

And thy light bless 

Our prince irreproachable. 



VARIOUS READINGS. 




Stanza line. 






iii. 9. Out of reach warrior's 


Irk gdd 


Irak checked theGododin 


charge 
Protect against assault Kn gdd 
warrior Menu 


warriors 
The Ken opposed the 
Gododin warriors of 






Menu 


iv. 7. Broken shield 




Rooken 


Maimed shield-bearer 




Rooken symbol 


iv. 3. Amber worth banquet 


Gl-s-mhr 


Western settlement 


wine 






Amber its price the grave 


J) 55 


Western settlement of 


v. 7. Nuptial feast 
Altar 
8. Altar 


mhr 
gbh 
gbh 


yore 
on high 
on high 
raised 


Bier 


sbl 


raised 


9. Raised spear 


Kn ida 


The Ken confessed 


Received nuptial dowry 


Ika mhr 


They acknowledged the 

great 
idle (Cushite) 
(Cushite) power 
gallant 
ditto 
agreeable (conference) 


vi. 6. Mighty 

Hand or able 
xi. 4. Turns 

Merry 
xiii. 3. Predicted 


g[h]dl 

id 

gl 

gty 

nam 


Proverbial 


msl 


riddle ditto 



CV1 INTRODUCTION. 




xiii. 14. Fair associates 


phry 


respite 


Score 


hlk 


space 


xiv. 7. From elevated position 


bmt 


the board (see St. 1) 


From level 


spl 


ditto 


xv. 2. Utter sighs 


ndp 


to drop 


Afflicted 


dk 


ditto 


5. Farrower 


sdm 


(banner of) demons 


Pool-maker 


gm hosh 


ditto, of excessive feats 


xvi. 1. Frowning 


klh 




Resist 


do. 




4. Full of joy 


m-11 


Joy of night 


Even on foam-border' d Kn hmz nml 


Piercing the array of con- 


Mordei 




stellations 


xvi. 3. Horn cheers heart (vitals) 


nm tht 


Sleep bows her horn 


Horn banished sorrow 


skb ot 


her horn, season of rest 


10. Ever go forward 


nh-z rk 


shriek at his fault 


Impetuous bear 


db rsh 


grief at his rashness 


xvii. 3. Lights 


nhr 


boys 


Co-lights 


loi-nhr 


boy -classes 


7. Bright horn 


[i] kr-[o] kr 


contests 


Ungentle 


lo lhm 


to contests 


22. Of equal age fell 


dm ot oml 


Tears of wretched 


Equal step thickly as- 
semble 
25. Without dishonour 


sd-dm oba-ot 


Demon-hubbub 


Loklh 


To all 


Unprofitable 


Lo akl 


ditto 


xviii. 1. Surround country 


sb ai 


Holyday 


Famous characteristics 


sb aot 


ditto 


5. Three hundred knights 


shl-s-sr 


release crimson 


Thrice six 


shl-s-ss 


release quick 


Three noisy 


shl-s-soa 


ditto ditto 


20. To greet 


brk 


To my blessing (ironic) 


To oppose 


shtn 


To Satan 


xix. 14. Crosses 


rby 


squares 


Yery vigorous 


m-d-zz 


(array or ranks) excited 


xxi. 4. Three hundred chiefs 


s-l-s s-l-s ss 


Six to six, six to six 


Three heroes and three- 


s-l-s sn sl-s s-l-s 


Six to six ; again send 


score and three hundred 




six to six 


7. Two war-dogs Aeron and Sn hlb ore 


l Fat Chinese skilled in 


Cynon 


cy-nn 


little marks 


Cynon Cadraeth Cadlew 


Cy-nn. Ckd-loi Little marks, Chess, forays 


Cadnant * 






xxiii. 2. Numerous horde Lsegry 


Rhb loi Ihg 


Greatness joined to study 


Prostrate horde Lsegry 


Brk loi lhg 


Bowed to linked trouble 


3. Sea coast 


shor 


Knight 


Turmoil 


hi 


famous 


xxiv. 1, 2. Hero both shoulders co- 


Sn shkm sk 


A Chinese hero Shk-m- 


vered 




Shk 


Yariegated shield swift Brd gn bl hs- 


To British Ken chiefs 


war-steed 


m-ss 


joined trust 



* Quaere, for Cadnant read " Clydno," Caledonian, as in Gwrc " Cynvelyn," 
from which also the above is inserted in this list of var. readings. 



INTRODUCTION. 



XV11 



xxiv. 1, 2. Hero two-shielded 


wings Sin gn caf 


Chinese hero Con Caf 


One variegated 


front Brdpnakr-Prd First Bard chief after 


other like quality with 


genius of Britons 


Prydain 
3. Mount slaughter 




Rzhhr 


pleasant mountain 


Midst ditto 




Rzh odn 


pleasant Eden 


4. Impetuous lances 


sunny sm-s-gl 


(Of the Ken original) 


plain 






peculiar place 


Clouded dawn and 


sun 


Om sm-s-sfr 


Of Javan from the East 
the place 


12. Steed 




s-s 


ancient 


Trappings 




hsm 


Cushite 


xxvi. 3. Lances 




kn 


Ken 


Stones 




bn 


Among 


4. Career 




rz 


(lamp) of the earth 


Horses 




ss 


(lamp) shining 


7. Quarter {added) 






great 


xxvii. 5. Even to 




ot 


overturns 


From 




m-oph 


Flusters 


xxix. 2. Wrestler 




isr 




Minstrel 




sr 




Fight 




nsk 


bite 


Gashing 




dk 


ditto 


3. Dazzle 




gig 


glass 


Perambulate 




hlk 


mica 


xxx. 10. Hill father 




hl-ab 


fat 


Presence father 




oza-ab 


pain 


xxxiv. 4. See 




shoa 




Make 




oshe 




xxxvi. 4. Pierced 




Kn 


Ken to Ken 


Recognise 




nkr 


Ken contests 


8. Anger 




Koys 


Cush 


Gallantry 




Gly 


Gaul or Celt 


xxxvii. 4. Even as far as Ephyd 


od Phut 




Hud-a Phud 




same 




xxxix. 2. Trailing 




drk 


(Pen) Dragon 


Numerous 




rhb 


Great (chief) 


xl. 5. Protect field 




smr 


Western 


Protect spear 




smr kn 


Western Kent 


xli. 5. Without club 




Blnta 


appointed chief 


Headless wolf 




Pn zba 


Head of tribe 


xlii. 1. Carcases 




Ndn 


bow 


Sleep in death 




Rd-m bmt 


Descend from platform 


4. Roving birds 




Nd oph 


Reproach 


Birds of battle 




Nsk oph 


Reproach off 


xliii. 1. Run 








Look 








xlvii. 3. Rang 




sha 




Bestow 




shoa 


"~ 


xlix. 10. Pierce 




Kn 


Ken (singers) 


Omitted 






Singers 


lii. 2. Drum Essy (d) 




Rdm ms 


South wet 


Cultivated beyond 




Odrms 
b 


same 



7111 


INTRODUCTION. 




lii. 6. Mean 




spl 


the board 


Plentiful 




skn 


the cupboard 


6. Llanveithin 








Tanveithen 




a mis-copy 


See text 


7. Edge sword gleam 








Twilight twilight 


revel 






lxvi. 1. Expert warriors 




hnk 


Anak 


Warriors arose 




abr-rm 


great ones 


5. Shriek 




srk 


yellow 


Brave 




hsm 


tawny 


lxviii. 1. Soldiers 




hnk 


Anak 


Slender 




Irk 


Irak 


lxxix. 5. Stately head 




omd 


rest 


Giddy head 




giy 


happy 


4. Overpowered 




olid 


therefore 


Mounted spear 




olKn 


same 


lxxxiv. 5. Counsel prevail 




See the text. 




Place not tell 


great St sfr rbh ot ol 


; Stop trumpet 


counsel 






ruin, ruin 


xcv. 5. Trappings 




hsm 


brave 


Coffins 




Arn 


of Erin 



exciting 






SUBJECTS OF THE GODODIN. 



Chess stanzas 1 — 6 passim. 

Hindu Ibeuption to the Tig-bis and West 22 — 836 line. 

COSHLEB DESCEIBED 836 „ 

The Events in Genesis xiv 5G1 — 578 „ 

The Chinese Cycle 6666 befoee the Flood 226—233 „ 

The Abgonattts, Cyzictts, and Cabiei 825 — 832 „ 

Caethagenians 540—9 „ 

Cadytyeis Pul-asb 550 — 60 „ 

Mistletoe 688 „ 

Gaeteb 389—669 „ 

Deuids, passim. 

Beitish Eiddle 694—713 „ 

The Ken at Ue, Van, etc 260 passim. 



NOTICE TO THE READER. 

The subject is carried on through the right-hand pages, 
those on the left contain the original documents, that is to 
say, approved English versions of the "Welsh poems, and a 
literal Aramitic rendering (uninflected) of the same, without 
omission or insertion of a word or change of a letter, except 
those duplicate in the Aramitic, — a case that afforded faci- 
lities for the system of Paronomasia exhibited in the Welsh 
relic of Cimric palseology, as also of the same practice in the 
Hebrew Scriptures and in instances (as of Solomon's corre- 
spondence with Hiram) there noticed. 



ANCIENT ORAL RECORDS 



CIMRI, OR BRUMS. 



The " Gododin" from the English text of the A literal translation of the 
Rev. J. Williams, omitting the insitive particles " Gododin" into the Ara- 
answering to the grammatical inflexions, and mitic (SebrevS), 
other copulas. [ ] Means a letter inserted. 

- Joins or divides words. 



(a) Man, mind, years, youth. 

Gallant, din, war. 

Fleet, thick-mane chargers. 

Under thigh, illustrious hero. 

Shield light, broad. 

Hung flank, swift, slender steed. 

Sword blue, gleaming. 

Spurs gold, raiment woollen. 

Not my part 

Speak reproach. 

More choice act 

Celebrate, praise, song. 

Gone bloody bier. 

Sooner nuptial feast. 



Ais im ylm ot 
Ngd Kl hrb 
Bhl yba bd shsh 
Thh irk ais ikr 
5 Sl-t kl [h] rhb 
Ntl hrz hsh irk shsh 
Hrb t-kl or 
Ykb zb zmr at 
Lo sbl 
10 Sphrklh 

Jorh avh hoshe 
Hg sb sr 
Boa bdm sbl 
Bhl mhr hg 



GrWOECAM MAELDEEW, TEANSLATED INTO 

English by Hon. A. Heebeet. 

(a) Winding, come stream round the Caer, 

Self-aroused, in armour, in radiance ; 

Chilling, the dividing impulse, passage of battle, 

Benumbed is the glorious, the enterprizing. 

The parti- woven web of valour 

Is woven, irrepulsible onset, 

The passage it gives is not spoken. 

Let suffering in cold train to manliness. 



Honi ab nhr sb kra 
Hr mzh ss 
Kr bn d brk hrb 
Kra k-bd Oshe 
Bn zm-dark mzh 
Sb-k 1 nzh gdd 
Brk ihb spur 
Lo sbl kr koa 1 aish 



JS"eio Version^ rendering literally the Aramitic on the opposite page in the order 
of the words and, letters, only substituting the one for the other of the letters 
in duplicate in the Aramitic alphabets, viz. : S 7 T 7 K, Z, or X, and, the 
aspirates and vowels. 



I. 

Here youths 

In thy presence, high warrior, 

Supreme servant, ancient 

Vitals of the region ! ancient noble ! 

Prince in blue, a sword 5 

Suspended by yellow gold, shining ! 

To thy majesty all the pupils 

Their harps and pure song incline, 

Is our subject 

The complete book 10 

Of the teachers ? Thy will be done. 

Attend singers ! 

Expounders of the riddle 

Of the head and chief game. 

G-. Mael. 

Attend, Father, the youth celebrate thee bowing ! 

Noble, heroic, illustrious, 

Noble, belted with hghtning sword, 

We bow as the interpreters, 

Between, thoughts the way find out, 

Thy praise be eternal. The Gododin 

Welcome ! Love to the book ; 

To the riddle bows the strength of lions. 

B 2 



THE GODODIN. 

Become a meal, ravens, 
Ere reach front conflict. 
Alas ! Owain, beloved friend, 
Not meet, devour ravens. 
Swells, sorrow, the plain. 
Fall, death, only son, Marco. 



ARAMITIC 

15 Akl yrb 

Ark sgh pen rb 
Ha yoni hgb hg 
Lo Kn akl yrb 
Kn mar ah spl 
20 Itl bmt item bn Mrk. 



(b) Caya (awe) Kynhor (awe) whenever came 

Troop unattend, before maids serve mead. 

Front shield would pierce, if hear 

Shout of war, no quarter pursue, 

No retreat, combat till blood flow, 

Cut down like rushes men who not yield 

Gododin relate, that coast, Mordei, 

Before tents, Mad (og) when return, 

But one man in hundred with came. 



Caw Gmr mmn boa 
Zb bd pn ylmot mn iyr 
Pn sr avh Kn Yni 
Iriyh la Kn Sgh 
25 L shr mlk yt adm nbi 
Ml k Gomer asr 1 klh 
Gdd sphr k syr m-rd 
Pn ahl Md m sb y 
Zl akd bmat lo kal m bba 



Cay (awe) chief toil, his country's rod of 

power, (c) 30 Caw pn yoni Gmr 

Darted eagle, harbour, allure. Rby nsr mzh pth 

Compact form, ensign love, Izr krt aot avh 

More nobly emblazon resolution that not retreat, Iorh khl bhl klo sr 
Shrinking mind, before (host 1) Gododin. Klh im pn Gdd 

Manaw yd confidence, strength, press, tumult, 

fight, 35 Mnu ida kos-ori Gd-od-dn 

Regard spear or shield. Pnh kn sr 



Gc. Mael. 
Look out forth in arms, in liveliness, 
The sunshine of Hu, in his mild presence. 
(b) The man who runs when he turns back 
Is bed-fellow of round house, of tomb, 
A peace-maker in colour, not in form. 

(c) The Papyrus, Hindu and Egyptian symbol of supreme power, 
is scarcely another paraphrase in this work. 



Bt hoz [s] bn-sk b hiit 
Irahu spl ng [k] d 
Ashr rz m yona 
[I] rh mt hg kbr 
Rik kl 1 izr 



There 



NEW VERSION. 

Once capacity mingled 15 

Irak in the chief game, 
Of Hindu land the favourite sport. 
To the Ken I wish pleasure, 
• The great Ken on the board, 
The ground with white spots left between the dark. 20 

ii. 

Caw of Gomer, from father Menu, 

Delivered these chief secrets in kind assorted. 

Oh ! chief Prince of the beloved Ken ! Hindu people 

Taught them to Ken singers. 

To them, princes of war, leaders of prophecy. 25 

King Gomer was buried in Assyria, at Calah. 

The Gododin from the East, in Coshier, bowed 

Before the spotted idol of the Medes, 

That vileness eminent at Calah, when was confusion (or Job), 

in. 

Caw of the Hindu chief Gomer 30 

These four distinguished bi-parted 

Figures devised chosen signs ; 

He taught at Calah, Bal Calah of Syria. 

The Calahites were before the Gododin. 

Menu had cast out from Coshier the Gododin. 35 



Oh ! chief of the Ken singers, 

G-. ILlel. 
Daughter of comfort, in games, daughter 
Of triumph on the spotted board. 
In Assyrian land those Hindus 
The moves taught of this ancient game, 
The " Eook " and all the figures. 



3 



THE GODODIN. 

No habitation, rich dainty find, 
(Kept out of reach, warrior, charge, 
\* Protect against assault, battle of Manau. 



ARAMITIC. 

Lo sh-k oshr Rk mzh 
Nth ark gdd hrb 
Ntr gdd hrb Mnu 



Cay (awe), Kynhor (awe), wolf holme, 40 

Amber beads, ringlets circle his temples. 

Precious amber, worth banquet, wine. 

Repel violence as they glide, 

For Gwynedd, north, come to share 

By advice, son, Ysgyran, 45 

Hero, broken shield. 



Caw Gmr zb ai 

Gl-s gl tr kl Rk 

Ik-rgl-s mhr sth iin 

Ynh Ames ot hlk 

Ki goi-nd bou Zephon 1 hlk 

Iyt bn Ys-grn 

Hrb ry-gn. 



Cay (awe), Kynhor (awe), arm, a noise, conflict. 

Chief object, hero, power, gore, field. 

Chief share, advance, array front host. 

Five battalions fall before blades. 50 

Even men Deivyr Bryniech (utter groans). 

Twenty thousand perished, one short hour. 

Soon feed wolf, go nuptial feast. 

Soon be raven's prey, approach altar. 

Not raise spear, ere blood stream (to ground). 55 

Price, mead, hall, midst throng, 

Hyveidd Hir, celebrate, remain, minstrel. 



Caw Gmr nsk hi rb 
Pn aot hrb koah adm br 
Bkr hlk hnk it-r rash-alem 
Asr hms dk pn Tyr 
Am ais dvh br ynk 
Rbh abd akd Zyr ot 
Bhl akl zb-boa ars sth 
Bhl akl orb ngsh gb 
Ark id Kn adam Shadai 
lor salem ahl bn Bl 
Hvveidd aor sb itm sr 



Hero march, Gododin, Gognaw, laugh. 
Bitter battle, stand, array banner. 

G-. Mael. 

No war-spirit, fierce and ardent, thou 
The ardent would burst forth, fair his character, 
Unpremeditated the glory. 
I have mourned the strong enclosure of him. 
* Yar reading. 



Hrb [h] psy gdd go yni sk 
Mrh mlk omd Asr aot 



Lo kl hsm or ras Ham 
Ham pk Phr-im 
L ksh-b lil 
Honi zh Calh 



NEW VERSION. 

The lion of Cosier, the brave Rook, 

Drew out the Gododin in battle with Menu, 

Extended to Irak the Gododin warriors. 



} 



IV. 

From Caw of Gomer were the colours. 40 

The peculiar evolutions, the games and pieces, as the Rook, 

He joined to the foot of the western settlements ; 

He was restrained at Emesa and Colchis 

(For the people of wanderings went north to Colchis) 

By iEsetas, among the As people. 45 

(Such were) the warlike Rooken. 

v. 
Caw of Gomer instituted the celebrated game, 
The chief carved pieces and the lines on the level board. 
Forward advanced Anak to Jerusalem ; 

He stopped at Horns, a fortified place before Tyre ; 50 

Horns, a place where the plain is cornered. 
Tens of thousands obeyed one Tyrian. 
Bel's temple to hosts, its invention placed. 
Bel's temple, a dark serpent raised up. 

Before this the Ken* confessed among men, " Shadai." 55 
Jerusalem celebrated Baal. 

Then it was Hud manifested the light, a chief (by himself) 
alone. 

VI. 

Neighbours, enjoy " Gododin," the Hindu people's game. 
The great King about the Assyrian era, 

G-. Mael. 
At Calah of the Cushites, in Ur, head of Cham 
(From Cham proceed the Pharaohs), 
To the Cush in Belus, 
Javan then in Calah. 

* The Ken, Ken marah, or " Cimri," people of Kent and Kennet, the race 
politically designated "Britons," i.e., Comnunes. 



THE GODODIN. 

Few years, peace, enjoy. 
Son Bogdad, throb, by energy, hand. 
Gone to churches, perform penance. 
Old, young, bold, mighty. 
Veritable strife, death, about, pierce. 



ARAMIT1C. 

60 Hsr ot Salem hpz 
Bn bt-tkd lb on oz id 
Boa 1 akl hth oshe 
Bal olm Chsm gdl 
Amn rb mot om Kn 



Hero march, Gododin, Gwanar, laugh. 65 

Jewel, array, went down, terrific toil. 
Slay, blade, not much chattering. 
Powerful support, living, law, produce silence, 
death. 



Hrb psy Gdd Goyni sk 
Lsm Hms ird 
Dk Tyr lmd sph 

Koa om-md ai izr dm ot 



Hero march, Cattraeth, loquacious host. 
* Blue mead liquor, prove poison. 
Marshal array, cut through engines of war. 
After joyful cry, silence ensued. 
Go to church, perform penance. 
Veritable strife, death, about, pierce. 



Hrb psy Cattrth sph alem 
70 Irk ior mskh bn ham 
Ork asr krt Cale 
Agr zlh hi alem sgh 
Boal akl hth oshe 
Amn rb mot om Kn 



Hero march, Cattraeth, full mead, drunk. 

Compact, vigour, wrong, neglect, fame. 

Around, mighty red, murky blade. 

Obstinate, fierce dogs, war (would) fight. 

If judge tribe Bryniech, 

Not phantom man left alive. 

Lose friend without hurt. 

Withstood manifest terror, generate chief. 



75 Hrb psy Cattraeth sby ior 
skr 

Oz ss Klh itr sm 

Om rhb rn-rk Tyr 

Ot-k k-lbn mlk dk 

Am dn loi br onk 
80 Bl ihl as sm-t aha 

Sm-t hk bl hi 

Stn ikh pkd ol-d rs 



Gr. Mael. 
The praises of the mystery are mine, mine the pennon.Sb msl li-li dgl 
The mighty has looked over the beauteous. Abr ari [E] 1 iphy 

* " G-las," in Welsh, is for both blue and green. 



NEW VERSION. 

With his Cosheirots captured Salem. 60 

Amid images of darkness were the borders of Lebanon. 

Baal's temple had sinful doings. 

Baal bound the idol Cushites. 

This is truth of the miniature battle, ye Ken people. 

VII. 

Neighbours, enjoy Gododin, the Hindu people's game ; 65 

Where Horns descends to ... . 

And the fort of Tyre. A learned business, 

This yarn about Medea squeezes out tears. 

VIII. 

Neighbours, enjoy Chess, silent study; 

Irak taught Meshech, son of Ham, 70 

That extension of Assyria divided from the Calahs. 

Horrible illusions followed up. 

Baal's temple had sinful doings. 

Truly this is the miniature battle, oh, Ken ! 

IX. 

Neighbours, enjcy Chess. Rest is learning's reward. 75 

Now the ancient Calah extended its rule ; 

As locusts they advanced onward to Tyre, 

Until joining the forts of the princes of Lebanon. 

So Hamadan was joined to the plain of the corner, 

Baal, an idol of fire, title of their error, 80 

His name distinguished as Baal of Calah. 

Satan declared his vengeful plans, 

G-. Mael. 

The circling mysteries of night their standard ; 
Heber, lion of God, shone forth. 



THE GODODIN. 



Magnanimous, refuse dower, father-in-law. 
Such son, Caw, stone, Gwyngwn. 



ARAMITIC. 

Mn mhr clh 

Am bn Caw bn Yoni goim 



Hero march, Cattraeth, dawn. 85 Hrb psy Cattraeth orb 
Peace disturb, who fear. Sl-m iot asr igr 

Hundred thousand, three hundred (engaged), Oshr rb sis Gododin 

mutual attach. 
Drench, gore, mark, fall, hero. Ms adm koa dk Kn * 

Post, war, brave, gallant, maintain. Omd mlk hsm mrzh Kn 

Before retinue, Myny (ddawg) courteous. 90 Pn alem Mnu at 



Hero march, Cattraeth, dawn. 

Feeling relatives regret absence. 

Mead, drink, yellow, sweet, ensnaring. 

Year a point, many, minstrel turns. 

Redder swords than plumes. 

Blades white as lime, four parts, helmet cloven. Tyr ss k klb mhaz rby kby 

syph 
Even retinue, Myng (ddawg) courteous. Om aim Mnu at. 



Hrb psy Cattraeth orb 
Ms [ss] klh kab sgb 
lor sk-r s-rk mtk pth 
Sn aot rb [y] sr gly 
95 Iorah rms hd oph 



Hero march, Cattraeth, day, 

Was not celebrated battle, disgrace. 

Put to death Gelorwydd. 

Blades, gem, baptism, rudely taunt. 

Better join kindred. 

Gory, unction, death, far, native. 



Hrb psy Catraeth iom 
Lolo sb nsk kl 
100 Nkh gl-yr-hd 

Tyrm ylm Msch hsm klh 

Iorh hk Cal [i] 

Adm msch. Mt sgb gr 



G. Mael. 
The radiant, the bodied, the pompous, fronted, 
And the red dragon covering of spiritual powers, 
Shall keep pace with the winged on the gale. 

* Ken (paraphrase) for hero in general. 



Ikr nbl zod. Pn 
Adm tn ks-roa id [a] 
Sbl [a] dam npk shyr 



NEW VERSION. 

Menu, great Calah. 

Truly so it was of the son of Caw among the Hindu race. 

x. 

Neighbours, with Chess end the evening. 85 

Forth with the miniature ranks of men, 
Four brigades of chiefs in mutual attack, 

With their levies of men, expecting falls, 
About their King, as brave warrior Ken ; 
Silent chiefs of Menu, come on. 90 

XI. 

Neighbours, with Chess end the evening ; 

Quick moves check you, brood over it, consider. 

I will teach the game, the chief of the squad the Rook. 

Of the ivory pieces, for gallant princes 

Direct their ways, breaking through 95 

The rows quickly as a dog out of doors hungry hid at the 

threshold. 
Silent people of Menu, come on ! 

XII. 

Neighbours, to Chess. End of the day ; 
Night returns and ushers in the voice 

And the bottle ; the riddle awakes 100 

Until its limit. Formerly Meshech and the Cushites of Calah 
Taught (of) these carved toys, 

The men of the game. The moves observe, checking (your- 
selves) ; 

G-. Mael. 

Behind him retreated that folly. Head 

Of men, he grieved. The Coshierots displayed 

The semblance of man, an ape, shaggy. 



THE GODODIN. 

Hand, host, Gododin, day, arrives. 
Hero, power, best temper, discretion. 

XIII. 

Hero march, Cattraeth, day. 

Truly drink, white mead, serene night. 

Miserable, though success predicted. 

Proved mission, soar, ambition. 

Hasten not Cattraeth, 

Chief, magnificent design, enterprize. 

Blazon standard. 

Never such a host 

From fort Eiddin. 

Scatter abroad mounted ravagers. 

Tudvwlch Hir, deprive land and towns. 

Slaughter Saxons, seven, day. 

Valour protect freedom. 

Memory cherish fair associates. 

Tudvwlch arrive, support land. 

Post, son, Kilydd, made pool, blood, (c) 

XIV. 

Hero march, Cattraeth dawn. 

None receive protection, shield. 

To blood resort, assemble, gleam, armour. 

G-. Mael. 
(c) Perish he who has informed any one with his 

mouth, 
To the repulse of discipline, nurse of warlike array, 
Where the host, great wall of ash trees. 
Upon the sea is no contrivance ; 
No assembling for business counsel. 
The circular front is the outskirts of life. 
Not for (much) more than one day the separation, 
The separation of Eidden's entrance. 
Cenan, fair wall of excellence, 
Hath planted his sword in the embankment of men 

of May. 



ARAMITIC. 

Id alem Gdod im ngs 
105 Mh hrb id iorh ms-k khm 



Hrb psy Catraeth iom 

Kn sbb hr iorh zh 11 

Hoot gm ihl nym 

Bn sr mrh Kn 
110 Mahr bl Catraeth 

Alph hdr. Bhl nsho 

Zby aot 

Bhl zh [k] aim 

M idy 
115 Prd hoz yl mrzh 

Zd hlk hr it-m adm tr 

Hrb ss-skn sby 

Mzh gn pit 

Zkr arph phr roh 
120 Zdhlk boa mth ai 

Omd bn kily-kd is agm dm 



Hrb psy Cattraeth iom 

Lo kl Smr ikh gn 

Lo adm zid. lod hs nsk 

Tyb nkr sph 

Dk isr am-tk 
Z-alm gdl sr dhr 
01- im 1 hzr 
L-z-ba s [y] ph. ot 
Kl pnm nml zz 
Om iora ikd mtk 
Mtk idy pn 
K-nn phr sr-itm 
Stl hrb [h] km a ais ira 



NEW VERSION. 

With silent hand the Gododin observe. 

May you neighbours your hand direct, moving wisely. 105 

XIII. 

Neighbours, enjoy Chess at end of the day ; 

The Ken around, triumphant, relax 

To conference and pleasant relaxation. 

The sons of princes of the great Ken, 

The great ones, hasten to Chess. 1 10 

Change this chamber. A hurried noise. 

In long lines 

Hasten the youth 

From school, 

The hopes of British chief warriors. 115 

They advance sidelong, where men of sheathed 

Swords, white-robed, rest. 

Belt and shield cast aside, 

Clinging on their necks for an interval, 

Walk aside the fathers to the couches ; 120 

With their curly -headed boys, the wanderers are at rest. 

xiv. 

Neighbours, end with Chess the day ; 
On all Somerset protection be shown. 
I wish rest to pride. The sittings begin quickly ; 

G-. Mael. 

Grood boys ! from business, ye joined to my heart 

The head quarters of instruction sweet ; 

Happy rest of beloved singers. 

The young to the court-yard 

Would turn, going to the threshold, until 

All were within, busy as ants ; 

The swarm catching sweet learning, 

The sweet art of innocent song-chiefs. 

How the little ones spread ; the singers are left, 

Offspring of wise warriors, men of dread. 



THE GODODIN. ARAMITIC. 

In van, loud as thunder, din, targets. 125 Rsy soa rym hi sr 

Envious, fickle, base. Knh hth klh 

Tear and pierce halberts. Krph kn knoah 

From elevated position, slew, blade. M bmt k-tl m-hd 

Iron, affliction, steel-clad commander. M br-zl nh-hs stl Bl 

Subdue Mordei, owe homage. 130 Rdh M-ord loi at 

Before Erthai, even army groan. Kd-m Erh-t a-ko Aim nhm 

xv. 

When tale told, battle, Cattraeth. Mi sphr sphr hrb Cattrth 
People, sighs, long grief on account of warrior, Am n-smt Akroni Byl hrb 

absence. sgb 

Dominion without sovereign, smoke, land. Msl Bal mlk osn ai 

Sons of Gododin, upright clan. 135 Bn Gododn rod m-th 

Bore furrower, long bier. Ns sdm arg nta 

Miserable fate, though just necessity, Oml nam gm zry hsd 

Decreed for Tudvwlch and Cyvwlch tall. Hg zd-hlk koa-hlk ark 
Together drank bright mead, light of rushes. Ikd skh ikr ior gmr 

Pleasant taste, prove lasting foe. 140 Nym nsk tym Gmr oir 

XVI. 

(d) Before, above, splendid fort Eching, showed, Btrm om ikr ikr kr Echich 

frowning. [ng] ika klh 

Young and forward composed retinue. Nhr ot-dm alem 

Before, on Bludwc horn, cheer heart ; Nhg Bl-doi nym tk okr 

GL Mael. 

(d) Useful was the Lord, exciting himself, Ikl bl st 

Sovereign, without his sanctuary, Msl bl hag 

To the perverse, grey-headed chief ministers ; Okl sb khn 

Profoundly shallow, deep. Taha akl zol 

Mutual sweetness stirs not up mutual bitterness. Krb ml-z 1 mot krb mara 

I have joined in desiring, I do join in desiring to Hkl sal hk 1 sal ar-n-11 

see Enlli, 

Which the fair aspect of prosperity has filled. Phypa Kn ml 

On the race-course, upon the serene morning, Ez [a] [h] old sphr skr 

The sunshine of the sun, rejoicing exceedingly, lor sm-ss md zaly 

I desire the great habitation of heroes. Mhd gdl Kn hrb 

Completely lost by reason of the nets ; Kl itm b Galla kmr 

Intellect is lost, is made clrunk.. Akl itm skr 



NEW VERSION. 

Poor, as well as the lofty, foremost princes, 125 

Home holds all. 

Feed on the comfort of comforts 

At this board, as the dew desired, 

When the field rejoices. Nay, the silent dew is hastening ; 

Sleep descends on us. Away with 130 

The dark cup {board). Trust in the true God, and rest. 

xv. 
Alack ! The book of books, the game of Chess. 
Amen. Drop it to Acheron of Baal. Neighbours, away 

with it. 
A mystery for King Baal to make his temple. 
Among these Gododin plunderers of the time of Adam, 135 
The banner of demons and triflers, down with it. 
Sorry sport of the bulrush in hand, Caseid. 
A game of side walks and mazy long walks ; 
First played backward, by the light of Gomorrah. 
Sleep kiss us. Leave Gomer to w T atch. 140 

XVI. 

At close of day the game of Chess joins all. 

The light of the season of rest and silence 

Leading the lord of darkness, sleep, overlaying brightness, 

Gr. Mael. 

Of capacity, chief excitement, 

Biddle ! Chief study, 

Twists praised by the Ken, 

Windings of skill, echoes. 

Neighbours on the borders of these shadows of death, great neighbours 

Joined to the grave, joined to the grave ! Ark of the west ! 

And ye (poppets), most fair ones of the Ken singers, 

Pleasing children at the book, the study 

Of pupils in the old place, chief sport. 

Ye, the desire of the great Ken heroes, 

Entirely lost in Wales, in darkness j 

Completely lost in darkness. 



8 

THE GODODIN. ARAMITIC. 

Making all Mordei full, joy. Mrh doi kl m-11 rzh 

Before beverage, braggart. 145 Om skr zod 
Before display, grandeur, gold, rich purple. Om ikh gdl hrz osh-r argm 

Before pamper'd steeds bore (safe) away Ark hlb ss nsy sgb 

From Gwarthlev, deserve comely name. Mgr-[i] tl kn kn aot 

- Before victorious chief turn aside ebbing tide. Btrm ns alph pena ihl 

Command, ever go forward, loth, skulk. 150 [A] Zoa is-ark nzh okl kl 

XVII. 

And now, early leader, Az sk-m ail 

Sun, about to ascend ; Sm s om ol 

Sovereign, revolving lights, Msl sbby nhr 

In heaven, Britain's isle. M shm prd ai 

Direful flight before shaking. 155 Irg pit om syr 
Shield, pursuing victor. Sr sgh nzr 

Bright horn. Ikr km 

(e) HallofEidyn. Ahl idy 

Pomp bidden. Zod pkod 

Feast, intoxicating mead. 160 Sta sara sara 
Drink beverage of wine. Skr roa tin 

At meeting of reapers, Lo iod zmr 

GL Mael. 
(e) Good to come, offspring, the race that shall Tb olm sn syph loi-b loi 

come to me. 
Who wrought treachery, let him do, let him slay, Oshe kala oshe arg kia 

let him burn. 
Thou guard edst neither the back entrance nor the Ghi 1 ahr-pa 1 ark pa 

front entrance 
Of the exalted habitation, the house of lofty aspect. 01 sk. Bt ol pn 
I have not seen sea-shore enclosure of the sea. L or akl. kl-im 

A horseman that was worse than the adulterer. Prsh bl iora nph 
Three hundred wearers of golden forques. Shl-s-mrt zba nk 

Lovers of banquet, straight forward. Oml skr otdm 

Three hundred arrogant, Shl-s-ma sgam 

United in their countries. Ahd ai 

Three hundred impatient mouths Shl-s-rs dl 

Hastened with them Mahr-om 

Three heads and three hundred. Shl-s-pn sl-s3 

Not three returned. [L] shl-s-sb 



NEW VERSION. 

Queen of the jet-black sphere, joy of the night. 

With his prey here is the hunter. 145 

In the corner rests the ploughshare. The moth is on the web. 

Before dresses are removed for lying down, 

At the spotted receptacle Ken to Ken incline. 

In the end victory is changed by a turn of skill. 

Now the yellow is in fault. Skill to all. 150 

XVII. 

Out of doors ! Play cuts off 

The old place of misery. 

To its mysteries a holyday, boys. 

Levies, scatter ye. 

Tremblings away about singing, 155 

And the chief leaders of singers. 

The contested meetings 

Of the schools. 

Begone commands ! 

Off chains! 160 

The early watch, through the windows, 

Assembles not the singers. 

G-. Mael. 
Grood youths ! from business, ye to my heart joined. 

Work is used up, done the woven thread. 

The garner to the harvest no longer opens. 

Shout! Play! Folly, head up ! 

Up ! to the ability of your voices. 

Spread ! No more terror. 

Loosen the guard. Flow out children. 

Down study ! Leaders 

Give up your office, singers ! 

First here 

Loosen to the ministers the door, 

The great ones. 

Release thoughts. Release, 

Release the staff. 



THE GODODIN, 

Drink transparent wine. 

Battle, daring purpose. 

Reapers sang war ; 

War with shining wing. 

Minstrels sang of war. 

Harness war. 

Wing war. 

No shield unexpanded. 

Conflict, spears. 

Equal age, fall 

In struggle, battle. 

Unbroken tumult. 

Without dishonour, retaliate, foe, 

Buried (whoever he) willed, 

Ere grave, gigantic Giorvelling 

Became green sward. 



ARAMITIC. 

Skr otr iin 

Nsk hsn im 
165 Krph mli lhm 

Hrb ss oph 

Sr sr hrb 

Mlk hsm 

Kaph 1km 
170 Lo kl gn ol 

Rbkn 

Dm ot [o] ml 

Bzr nsk 

Lo mta hi 
175 Lo klh gml aib 

Kr-b ava 

Pn kbr Abr Groel-ng 

Izr hzr 



XVIII. 

The character of the surrounding country. Nkb sbb ai 

Three forward chiefs, Novantse. 180 Sis skm ras nin [t] 
Five battalions, five hundred each (men). Omes Omes omes kl 



G-. Mael. 
Pierce in battle, liberal in distress, 
Not wolfish in battle was the son of Eli ; 
He was invited to the full glass vessels of wine. 
And in the day of battle 
Feats he achieved. 

And at funerals sing rather than be sad. 
The red Kalends were his choice. 
The weight of the summit of the great mansion 

benumbed the battle. 
A breaking of the mighty battle, fair in jostling. 
My mind instructs me, 
A skilful blade on the seamen's border 
Is not much heard of ; 
It made abundance of men and women 
Submit rather than death. 
The privilege of the wolf-dog's son 
Before its preparation. 



Sagh rb nd-b zr 
L zb kr-b bn Eli 
Pta ml-z ki-k-krin 
B om [a] mlk 
Osh oshe 
Hdr sr ora-agom 
Ems Hdes bhr [t] 
K-bd-ol gdl khn ksl mlk 

Okr-rhb mlk [i] ph-ng 

Np-s-sr 

Ahl Tyr shr-k-gl 

L-md honi 

O-sh-gm ash aisha 

At ira mot 

Im zb kl-l-bn 

Rk-osh 



NEW VERSION. 

The earning of crowns, 

The rough kisses, 

The scarping of limbs with blows, 165 

The contest of thought, 

Linked contests 

At Melksham, 

My bow to ye ! 

To all your enclosures on high, 170 

Calf-pens. 

Tears of the wretched, 

The libations of your enclosures, 

To the staff of howls, 

To every father (instrument) of torture, 175 

I bow with a will. 

Before ancient Abury the Grrael knocker. 

Huzzah ! Huzzah ! 

. XVIII. 

To marks, a holyday, 

Release to shoulder and head, ye children ; 1 80 

To violence and burthens, all their array. 

Gr. MAEL. 

Of singer contest, the heap or store, 

The twists first-born of pleasure. 

Deceitful as sweet thin cakes are 

The high places of kings. 

Moth-frettings are 

The robe of princes, their purple. 

Go to Hades their pomp ! 

As the Bedel idle usher attendant on the insolence of royalty, 

The scorpions of royal effeminacy, 

The droppings of princes. 

The palaces of Tyre are blacken' d walls. 

The learned labour 

Of the singer 8, moth nor fire 

Disturbs. Death fears. 

Their thoughts spread in all hearts 

Tumults. 



10 

THE GODODIN. ARAMITIC. 

Three levies, three hundred each. Sl-s ms sl-s kl 

Three hundred nights of battle. Sl-s sr nsk 

Eiddin, array, gold armour. Idy ot krz kla 

Three loricated hosts, 185 Sl-s sr alem 
With three kings (wearing), golden torques. M sl-s ml-k sgr onk 

Three bold knights. Sl-s sr sr 

Three hundred equal quality. Sl-s dm ikl 

Three, same order, mutually jealous, Sl-s dm nkb krb kn 

Bitterly chase foe. 190 Mrh sgh aib 

Three, dreadful in toil. Shl-s irg b iks 

Kill a lion flat as lead. Kt-1 ari sph bdl 

Was war, collection, gold. Ha nsk zba zb 

Three sovereigns, people, Sl-s si om 

Came from among the Brython. 195 Izh m bn Brython 

Cynrig and Cynon, Kn rgy Kn nin 

And Cynraen, from Acron, Kn rn urm 

Greet ashen lances Brk dhr kn 

Who drop from Deivyr, Ndp dvah 

Came from Brython. 200 Boa m Bhr-ot 

Better Cynon Iora Kn nin 

Proved serpent to sullen foe. Bhn nsk lkala aib 

XIX. 

Drink wine mead, Mordei. Sitah iin patah Mi rdh 

Great quantity spears. Rb kn kn 

Assembly, warriors, 205 Iod hrb 

Solemnize banquet, eagle. Hg sitah nsr 

Gr. Mael. 

To prepare blood, Oshe adam 
Fair the purpose of the concealed or the exertion Iphy im Shdai 

of onset. 

His weapons concealed, "Nsk olm 

Unconcealed the brightness of (his) plain ; L olm hkr omk 

When it ascended, every house descended. Im rda K-l-bt ns 
The wine of Cenau, the blood of dead men, as Irs kn [_y] adm nbl shoa nahl 

much as torrents. 



10 

NEW VERSION. 

Release to masters, release to scales. 

Release to crimson wheals. 

School ! Now is cut short your restraint. 

Release to walls of masonry (silence). 185 

Mystery -idol ! a collar to your neck. 

Release to bonds ! 

Release to out -pourings of genius. 

Release to out-pourings from marks of our Ken neighbours. 

The great song-father, 190 

Release to shrieks from the searching 

Cat on the skin, besom of the Bedell ! 

Ha ! the appointing class by class, 

Their vaunting about, 

Dividing between Bretons, 195 

Ken cutting Ken children, 

Ken song from Ken skill. 

My bow to these piercings of Ken. 

Be shame on faint hearts ! 

The high place of separating be upset ! 200 

Shall instruction to Ken children 

Be as a bite to a dog ? 

XIX. 

The second part opens. May you conquer, 

Great Ken of the Ken ! 

Pass on, joining 205 

The game at the place of separation. • 

Gr. Mael. 
Are made to rest. 
Shine out the grace of the Almighty 

On our young scholars ! 

To youth deep reflexions 

Soften the mind as fire ascends. 

Inheritances waste to men. Fools count on possessions. 



11 



THE G0D0DIN. 

Cydywal, hurry, raise, battle. 

Shout, with green dawn, dealt out tribulation. 

Splintered shields about ground left. 

Darts awful tearing, hew down, 210 

[In] battle, foremost in van wounded. 

Son of Syvno, astronomer, know. 

Sell life. 

Face warning. 

Sharp blades, slaughter. 215 

Slay, spears, crosses. 

The compact meditate convenient attack. 

Boast, pile carcasses. 

Gallant men toil. 

Upper part, Gwyne [dd], pierce. 220 



ARAMITIC. 

Kzh oil mhr sbl nsk 

HI irk skr mn aod 

Prs sar om ai itr 

Rb ira ntah gdy 

Ml [h] k ot-dm ras aod 

Bn Syon at idy 

Mahr hii 

Pah ot 

Sn tyr hrb 

Hrg kn rby 

Zod oi nbl 

Mzh pol 

HI hlk Goi-oni ol 



Drink wine mead, Mordei, 
Because drink, fall, edge, gleaming sword ; 
Not without deserving hero's prowess. 
When all fall, thou also fall. 
Issue come well, not sin. 225 

Present threaten, course, shew bold, mighty 
arm. 



Sitah iin patah mi-rdh 
01 id hsk [n] ht pa ss 
Lo lol hsk ikl hrb [a] 
M n-Pl kli npl hrb [a] 
Hps boa haia lo hta 
Fazen dbr rz ika mza oz 
zry 



(/) Hero who march, Cattraeth, renown. Hrb Asr [h] psy Cattraeth 

sb 
Wine mead* gold goblets, beverage. Iin h mtk Zb Ks stah 

Year, exalted solemnity. Sn mrah stah 

G-. Mael. 

(/) May the Lord give extension to Khun of the Mi-Bl itn Ark rn zphn 

north. 
Huge may he return that returns to me. Hg sb ona loi 

They call more for the war-horse than the honey Kr-iora hrb ss m-mtk 

plant. 
Hound the commander, round the king, array wrath, S-b s-l-s s-b ml-k kms hm 



11 

NEW VERSION. 

Half the work of the great Shiboleth has been introduced. 

Up ! Rook, look about on each side, 

Scatter the lengthened walls (? Knights). 

Many cast down, leave the battle -attack. 210 

Work for head and hand ! 

Between supporters, bowing on both sides, 

Is the King, 

Facing check. 

The ivory rows of warriors, 215 

Array'd in fitting squares, 

Are ready to charge. 

Beside the " Fool," in a heap, 

Is found work. 

Halloa ! proceed, Hindu work. 220 

xx. 

The second part opens. Change, pass on. 
Because of darkness, excuse the full compliment of the game ; 
Night hinders the abundance of genius. 
For the peace, Pyll, there is a pitfall. 

Liberating comes to the ruined. 225 

Furzen, muttering, slaughter, conspicuous with girdle and 
trumpet. 

XXI. 

An Assyrian warrior celebrated the pleasant game of Chess, 

Where, leaving the interval, the Zab of Cush spreads out. 
The Chinese great cycle of 

G. Mael. 
Confusion has left. Forward, song-secret. 

The celebrated game of the Hindus couples with 
A sum of graven sixes ; the sum, 

Six on six, to six, six, in a full collection. 



12 

THE GODODIN. ARAMITIC. 

Three hundred and sixty-three chiefs, gold Sl-s s-s s-l-s s-l-s sgr onk 

torques, 230 

Hurry forth after excess, revelling. M-bl hkr smny sta 

But three escape, valour, funeral fosse. Lola Sis brk hsn kbr hi 

Two war-dogs, Aeron, Cynon, dauntless. Sn klb hrb Orm ki-nn mza 
Myself from spilling blood, reward, candid Anki m Sd adm skr Kn rn 

song. 

XXII. 

Friend, real distress should none disturb. 235 Hgb [h] om aid ava lo kl ot 

If not, white-banner'd commander led (out) K lo 1-bn dgl bl zb [a] 

army. alem 

Not separate hall, banquet, mead. Kds ahl sitah metk 

Had he not laid waste convenient groves. L-o lo od kn sna 

Creep into martial field, creep families. Rms hrb b-or rma loi 

Gododin relates, after fight in fosse, 240 Gdd sphr akr hrb skt 

No dwellings, none more desolate. Bl zbl lo kl iorah bl 

XXIII. 

Scatter, break, motionless weapon, Prd zry hdl hrb 
Penetrate great horde, numerous horde, Lae- Kn gdl am sm loi lhg 

grians, 
Shields strewn, sea -shore, shields, battle, Sr Prd syr sr nsk Kn 

lances. 

Men made ashes. 245 Ais osh pah 

Women, widows. Aist alem 

Before death, Ngd mt [h] 

Geraid, son, Hoewgi, ' Gr goi 

With spears Am Kn 

Make effusion, blood. 250 Oshe Sdi adm 

Gk Mael. 
Wrath of the colour of the blade, the top shoot of Hm-khl tyr ol rks ar-ss 

tumult, the ray of radiance. 

Let the sovereign stand firm amidst it. Lo mshl omd odn 



12 

NEW VERSION. 

The heap of six, six to six to six (6666), shut up the suck- 
ling ■ 230 

From the flood. I reckon too much their date. 

May the Trinity bless the old hero of renown. 

The fat Chinese heroes have skill to find out little marks. 

The Anakim may the Almighty reward with blood, the Ken 
with song. 

XXII. 

The harp is desired at all seasons ; 235 

As between the lamps of night, the host of silence, 

The new moon takes the lead, shooting between, 

Upon its ivory throne, 

In the rout of upper Cherubim, empyrean couples, 

So the Gododin book shines forth ; of the great game 240 

Chief Shiboleth, to all teachers the chief. 

XXIII. 

Of the British garter, great warrior 
Among great ones. Office bowed to study. 

Knight of British knights, chosen by the Ken. 

Man elected by word of mouth 245 

At the hustings' court, 

In thy presence a bridle 

Is on mouth and utterance. 

To the Ken people 

May Shadai extend rest. 250 

Gr. MAEL. 

A total towering up, a total terrifying the head. 
I wish the tales much pleasure. 



13 

THE GODODIN. ARAMITIC. 

XXIV. 

f There was hero of two shoulders covered Hah hrb Sn Sk-m sk 

( shielded wings. Gn Caph 

•One variegated, front other, like quality, Pryd- Ikd Brd pn akr ikl Prdn 
J wen. 

v shield, possess, swift war-steed, Nmr [A] shr hsn Bl hrb isis 

There was noise, mount, slaughter, was fire. 255 Hah soah tr rzh hah is 
Impetuous lances, there was sunny gleam. Ras Kn sm-s gl-s ss 

Food, ravens, raven triumph. [H] Roah Horeb Hor-b 

Hurra 
Before go free. Pen hps 

Morning dew, like eagle, glad course. B-kr itl k nsr b Gl arz 

Scatter either side, like billow, overwhelms Prd akr id k Gl stph pah 

front. 260 

Bards of world, judge valour, Nmr Bl dn cushen 

Whose counsels not divulge, slaves. Ashr ioz lo ikh sb 

Spears, hands, warriors, cause devastation. Kn id hrb id Sd [i] 

Ere interred under swan (white) steed, Pn kbr tkt nsm ss 

Was energetic command. 265 Hah zz pkd 

Gore thoroughly, wash armour. Adm rkz hsn 

Such, Buddvan, son, Bleiddvan, bold. Ken bd Van bl hod Van 

hsn 

GL Mael. 
Of the visage, red-visaged, open-visaged. Pn Adam pn Phta pn 

The purposes are not to be seen with freedom Bl 1 or Pl-t-sby 

enough. 
The purposes are not to be seen with faith enough. Im-1 or bta agm 
The arable sea, the irreproachable oak, Plk-im 1 Cal-alm 

Shall sooner be made pallidly white ; Bhl hoshe hr-ss 

The perfectly formed throne perverse. I-m-zr Ks okl 

Before the somewhat one-shaped shall be covered, Pn lmd ihd zr Ks 
The great man, the Maeldrew, shall spread into Gi- [k] br ml-dry zb Cla 

baseness. 
I will illustrate the form of the arch-king, Ikr zr pn mlk 

A challenge of the spear, career of the ruler of the Bn Kn Asr r-gl tr 

mount. 



13 



NEW VERSION. 

XXIV. 

There was a Chinese hero, Sk-m-Sk, 

Kon Caph 

First of bard chiefs, after the genius of the Britons, 

Joined to Nimr (od) the Assyrian, Cushite of Bel, the ancient 

hero. 
There was a pleasant place ; it was and is 255 

The original place of the Ken, their peculiar one of old. 
The Mount Horeb, or Ur, in the mountains, 

The chief (place) of delight, 

On the heel w T hich separates the Celt land. 

The Britons on the other side of the Celt placed off their 

border. 260 

Nimrod, of Belus, was judge of the Cushen. 
Ashur now displays not renown, 

The power of the Ken warriors is in the hand of God. 
From long ago, when the inspiration of the ancient (of time) 
Life-giving visited 265 

Men. The father, Cushen. 
The Ken are between Van, the Cushen of Baal being other 

side of Van. 

Gr. Mael. 

Before Adam, before Phut, before 
Baal in Ur, Pul's abomination. 

The humiliation of Ur, that daughter of abundance. 

The heresies of the Calahs. 

Baal, a Cush invention. 

The Mizraim of Cush geniu9, 

The chief in the learning of joined figures was Cush ; 

Of old dividing with his arm the Zab from Calah. 

(There) the illustrious garter pennon of battle. 
Belt of the Ken, the cliief encircled with a collar. 



14 



THE GODODIN. 



Wrong (not), record magnificent feat. Hta hg hoshe zhr 

Not leave open gap, through cowardice. Lo pt-d hi Kny 

Benefit, Britain's minstrels never quit court. 270 Kn prd sr ikl lo itr 



On calends, January, according to design. 
His land not plough, if wild. 
Mighty dragon, indignant disposition. 
Commander, bloody field, after feast, wine. 
Gwenabwy, son, Gwen, strife, Cattraeth. 



Hds hds ikm izr 
Lo adm hrs k byr hoshe 
Oz tnn zm im 
Pkd adm. Br akr skr 
275 Goi nby bn Goin rb 
Cattraeth 



XXVI. 

True (as) song relates, 

No one's steeds overtook Marchleu. 

Lance hurled, commanding earl. 

Prancing, career, strew (thick), path. 

Formed for slaughter, aid, mother. 280 

Furious stroke (sword), support (others). 

Ashen (shafts), scatter, grasp, hand. 

Above, narrow summit, solemn pile. 

Place, ascend, smoke. 

Slaughter, blades, arm full, furze, (Eithen). 285 

Reaping comes, interval, fine weather. 

Marchleu, make blood flow (Welsh), Eithen. 

XXVII. 

Isaac, sent from south. 



Kn sphr hg 

Lo kl ss hsgah m rkl 

Kn irah pkod Sr 

Dgl [a] rz prd sbl 

Izr [y] hrg ikl am 

Aph hd sbl 

Hz [h] Prd gryph 

01 irk ol hds bt [a] 

Sm ol osn 

Rzh hd id ml idy 

Zmr boa bn sephr om 

M-rkl oshe adm zb [a] 

Isk ns tmn 



Gr. MAEL. 

Strong hand of the land, strong hand of my own Oz id-adm oz idm 

impulses. 
Active he came down to the tumult of the moun- Zz ba-at Rgs ikd-or 

tain of union. 
No shadow in the course of the great assemblage. L kl zby drk gdl zba 
An overtaking overtakes the mount of the land. Sgh sgh Or adm 
No overtaking of pollution so far as the circle L Cain sgh hll od Cla ark 

extends. 



14 

NEW VERSION. 

XXV. 

Take the celebrated composition of the teachers ; 

I hope it may spread the standard of the Ken. 

The Ken, scattered as the sand of the sea to the (world's end,) 

no further. 270 

Separated, separated as a leprosy. 
To men this contrivance a long while ago was made. 
(Now sorrowful thoughts 
Have visited men), inquire, seek diligently, 
By the people of prophecy, among the nations, the game of 

Chess. 275 

XXVI. 

The Kn book, the game, 

Not the illusion of song-hawkers, 

(But) of Ken teachers, oh, princely visitor ! 

Lamp of the earth, the British riddle ! 

Keep of fear and reproach. 280 

From the riddle, shiboleth, 

Separate the British Gryph 

From wares of holiday folly. 

Place truth aloft ! 

The pleasant riddle, separate its knowledge, 285 

Father of song, child of the teachers, 

From hawker-stuff of men of the herd. 

XXVII. 

The game bears a likeness 

Men of wreaths, men of wreaths, 

Druidism, daughter of Arthur the Kedarine, 

On each side of the course of the great Zab, 

Singers of singers in the land of Ur. 

At Calah the singers, glorious Hud and Irak at Calah. 



15 



THE GODODIN. 

Conduct resemble flowing sea. 

Full modesty, gentle. 

Allow to quaff the mead. 

Along rampart, offer, point, Madden. 

Rage, glut, carnage, scatter desolation. 

Sword, resound, head, mother. 

Ardent spirit, praise, son, Gwyddn [ed]. 

XXVIII. 

(g) Caredig, lovely fame, 

Protect, guard, ensign. 

Gentle, lowly, calm, before day arrive. 

Pomp, war, learn. 

When come, appointment, friend, song. 

Recognise home, heavenly region. 

XXIX. 

Caredig, amiable leader, 
Wrestler, in impetuous fight. 
Gold shield, dazzle (field), battle. 

G. Mael. 

(g) Three years and four 

The superintendent was greatly shattered. 

The damage of the sea an illusion. 

To the minister, to supplicate you is of no value to 
me ; you He not hid. 

Present before salutation was brachial conveyance. 

When his glory invaded the land he was an emis- 
sary. 

The golden-chained man gave the due wine feast. 

He gave, bright seeming the shore of the pompous. 

The bard, a courteous being, guarded 

The emissary, care of the foreign horseman. 

The one son of Cian, ultra-prominent. 

The sword-stroke does not trample Grododin to the 
ground, a deluge. 

So long as nobody is sharper than 

The immoveable stone. 

Produce an anchor, the expanse of the serpent, 
mournful spear. 



ARAMITIC. 

Nhg adm zba im 
290 Ml Kn rzh 

Akl sba mtk 

Arkh [k] ma aphr pn md 
dova 

Ham hrph rzh Prd Sdi 

Hrb soa pn am 
295 Ham im sb bn Gothen 

Kr dyk hml sm 
Gn smr aot 

Spha hml-lhm pn ngshom 
[M] zoyd ml [h] k ida 
300 M n-gsh iod Ahb-rn 
Idy Kn mni nkp rk 

Kr dyk lhm dbr 

Isr rs nsk 

Zb [b] sar gls lhm 



Sl-s ot rby 

Pn gdl Smr 

Ot-im zalym 

Khn salch 1 salm li-lo 1 olm 

Ngd brk zry aps 
Om-hol Grdd haia-sr 

Hrz hbl ihb kn shta 
Mn zhk-ar Shr mara 
Ml hk-hshm smr 
Mlak am zr prsh 
Ihd bn ky-nn i [u] tr ngd 
Hd-kd 1 hlk Gdd 1 dam 

B-od-1 k-1 lt-s-ora tah 

Myt bn 

Oshe k-zk rky pta ptn hl-kn 



15 

# 

NEW VERSION. W 

To blows, blood, and armies, 

Work of Ken warriors. 290 

I wish for rest at intervals ; 

Extended wise-craft weakens the too-weary head. 

May Shadai harvest content from the Britons. 

Warriors renowned, heads of the people, 

A people returned from among the Gothen. 295 

XXVIII. 

City of the fosse, Melk[s]ham, 

Garden of SomerjYjot, 

Threshold of Melkham in front of the pass, 

By the side of the works, forward 

From the pass about Abarin, 300 

Extending to the Ken of Menip. 

XXIX. 

City of the dyke, peopled by bees, 
Pointing the poison'd sting, 
Or flies about glass, licking. 

G. Mael. 

Adieu, place of the great ones, 

Head of great Somerset ! 

Happy years ! 

Ken cast forth to rest in the West for ever. 

Blessed flocks scattered to the ends of the world. 
Loved G-ododin of the teachers. 

Cut off to mourning loved Ken games, 

From the teachers, the great bards, 

Of Melksham, Somerset. 

From your work -place, among strangers scattered, 

Cornered by mutterers of little marks 

An exercise to the sport of the Gododin unequal. 

An operation like mincing songs by gage. 

Miniature figures. 

Doings as weak laughs, cajoling by rule. 



16 



THE GODODIN. 

Lance, dart, shiver, splinters. 305 

Stroke (sword), fierce, penetrate. 

Like hero, maintain post. 

Before receive, affliction, earth, before, fate, blow. 



Fulfil duty, guard station. 

May he find complete reception, 

With Trinity, perfect unity. 



310 



ARAMITIC 

Kn i [o] dah Prd mli 

Kd Kd aph tyn 

K hsn Gryph isod 

Pn ikb Hova Adm pn nam 

nkd 

Ml [i] im Sonr omd 
Mi mzah tym ikb 
M sis [i] tm ikd 



Caredig, rushed, battle. 

Like tearing, onset, woodland boar. 

Bull, army, mangling, fight, 

Allure wild dogs, action, hand. 315 

Witness, Owain, Eulat, 

Gwrien, Gwynn, Gwyriad. 

From Cattraeth work carnage. 

From hill, Hydwn, ere gain. 

After clear mead (put in) to hand. 320 

Saw no more, hill, father. 



Kr dyk syph nsk 

K rzh ds [i] iol hzir 

Sor zba ml-lhm 

Pth byr k-lb osh id [ah] 

Od Oin olt 

Gr yrn goin grth 

M Cattraeth ose rzah 

M ol idy pen Kn 

Akr sphr iora 1 idy 

A rah ain od hi ab 



Warrior (march with) speed together, bound on. 
Short-lived were, drunk, distil mead. 

Gr. Mael. 
Another top-shoot of the army was the feast, the 

violation of the extremely general invitation. 
Ample the retribution of the great plot of the blade. 
YerUy shalt thou be called for thy sincere conduct. 
The ruling rector of the wall, all of one speech. 
Tutvwlch, violent the battle of the Caer of death. 
Produce an anchor, the expanse of the serpent, 

mournful spear. 
The shoot of the host shalt thou be called, for thy 

sincere sword. 
Sincere shalt thou be called, for thy sincere conduct. 
Ruling rector of the wall, all of one aspect. 
Mervyn, son of the good language, good is thy 

parentage. 



Hrb hs ihk mtr 

Hza hah hshk zpht dl 



Ahr sypha aim sta hi m-d-kl 

nsk 
Smny gml gdl or-m-tr 
K-n-kr nkh-im 
SI rgl sr [g] kl-ihd dbr 
Zd-hlk koa mlak kr-mt 
Oshe k-zk rky nhs gdr kng 

Zry aim kgb kn hzr 

Nka kgb agm-hn 
SI rgl Sr kl ikd-p 
M-roa ntib dbr tyb-ab 



16 



NEW VERSION. 



Ken contests, British song, 305 

Cuts, breath-prickings. 

How the doubling Gryph holds its ground. 

Before Adam received Eve, before they slept together. 

The songs in the west endure. 

By the hero a taste is taken 310 

With the sovereign, they prolong it together. 

XXX. 

City of the dyke, thy threshold I kiss. 

How pleasant the daisies on the upland grass-plot ! 

See spreading Melkham, 

Open fields, like clothes stretched out, 315 

To the clouds ascending ; 

Green neighbourhood of the people, neighbourhood. 

Where the game of Chess gives pleasure 

From the chief seat of science of the Ken. 

Inquire of the book of the teachers, and know. 320 

Learning drives away the fat. 

XXXI. 

The game of Chess. It rains 

Out of doors ; let Chess spread relaxation. 

0. Ma el. 
Stale talk, silent excitement, the offering 
Of dry cakes at the lamp of inauguration, 
Smoke winding idly up while it rains, 
So these foreign markings, 

Loose rubbish of the singers of the Welsh desert, 
Side-going track, work of worms, 

Doings as plates of thin copper, little cages. 

Silent business, stars formed of laminae. 

Bright star in a puddle. 

Thi3 loose rubbish is of all singers the reproach 

Among neighbours, in the way of the desert wasted away, 



17 

THE GODODIN. ARAMITIC. 

Retinue, Myny (ddawg), renown, hour, need. Gdd Menu hd [d] ot zr 
Life, price, banquet, mead. 325 Is soa sita mtk 

Caradawg, Mad (awg), Pyll, Ieuan. Caer dyk md Pyll ion 

Gwgawn, Gwiawn, Gwynn, Cynvan. .... 

Paredur, steel arms, Gwawrddur, or Aeddan. . nhs nsk goi Arthur 

Adonai 
Defence, tumult, shield, battle. Gn rgs [z] gn hrb 

Slain as (also) slaughter. 330 Mt k rzah 

Not one native return. Lo ikd zor sb. 



Hero (march) speed together, regale. Hrb hs ihk stah 

Year, mead, mighty design. Sn zph rhb [y] id 

Sad, mention, doleful, commemorate. Honi hg honi h [o] g 

Poison (home), shelter, return not as suckling Ras sk hsb lok ink am 

mother. 335 

Long vexation, long regret. Irk zr Irk Honi 

Brave warriors, native feast. Mzah hrb gr stah 

Gwlyget, Gododin, partake, speech-inspiring. Goi Kahl gdd hlk st dbr 
Banquet, Myny (ddawg), appoint, illustrious Sitah Mnu id sm oshe 

deeds. 
Paid price, purchase, battle, Cattraeth. 340 Sim mrah nsk Cattraeth 

xxxm. 
Heroes went, Cattraeth, marshal array, shout of Hrb iza Cattraeth hms irio 

war. 
Powerful steeds, dark-brown harness, shields. Oz ss orb hza sar 
Uplift javelins, pierce lances. 01 hdon Kn Kn 

Glittering mail and with swords. Ikr hsn hrb 

Excel, penetrate host. Itr bn alem 

Five battalions fall before blade. 345 Oms gph npl Kdm Hd 

Rhuvawn Hir, gold to the altar (gave). Roi yoni hr Zb Zb 

Gifts, precious stones, minstrel. Mni Kdkd ml. 



17 

NEW VERSION. 

The Gododin, Menu-armies, signs confined 

On the level are placed between 325 

The castle-rampart, supreme (King) Pyll and the Hindu 

(Answering to) Gwgawn, Gwion, Cynvan, 

Paredur, the snake-smiter, Arthur's men, or Adonai, 

Shield of Arthur. So, in this contest, 

They move like warriors. 330 

Take this little riddle and be appeased. 

XXXII. 

Here's the game of Chess, the game 

Of ivory troops in four squads. 

The Indian game with care consider. 

Chief game celebrated afar among the Anakim. 335 

Irak contrived it. Irak or Javan ; 

Hence a dispute as to men and place. 

The coloured people, Gododin, move in mode mentioned. 

Its founder, Menu (because we choose his title), 

Peace to him, great inventor of Chess. 340 

XXXIII. 

Here's the game of Chess. The fifth extension 

Of stem six ; the mystified, pure song, 

The great riddle of the Ken. Thou Ken ! 

Illustrious warrior, crowned son of silence ! 

Thy burthens put off; this happened before to Hud. 345 

Our mate, the noble Hindu in the Zab, 

The species of attack divided. 



d 2 



18 

THE GODODIN. ARAMITIC. 

XXXIV. 

No hall ever made eminently perfect. Bl ahl bhlk oshe [i] tm Gmr 

Great, magnificent slaughter. Gdl adr bmt k-tl 

Morien, procure, spread fire, 350 M-orm ose rky ais 

And would not say but that Cynon, see corpse. K lo dhbr lola kyn ose nbl 
Harness'd pike (armed), wide, (spread) fame. Nsk Kn ark-sm 
Sword, resound, summit, occupy camp. Hrb sah ol id omd 

Move aside (course), ponderous stone-wall, fort. 
Never again, son, Peithan, move. 355 Bl hlk bn ptahm mt 

xxxv. 

No hall ever make (so) impregnable. B-l ahl b-hlk ose 1 Ihm 

(Had not) Morien, like Carad (awg). M-orm dma krd 

The forward Myn (awg), heavy armour, escape. Otdm mni Kbd zha hpz 

Rage fiercer, son, Pherawg, Kos iora hms bn pah Rk 

Stout hand, mounted on steed, dealt out flames, AolidRk-b ssmsl-taib[y] 

retreat foe. 360 sgah 

Terrible city, cry, timid multitude. Igr kr kr ira rgs 

Van, army, Gododin, scatter. Pn Abr gdd kbz [s] 

Buckler, wing, fire, slaughter. Sar oph lhb rza 

Day, wrath, nimble, destructive, retaliate. Om aph. Koah gml 

Dependent, Myny (ddawg), deserve, horn, Aim Mnu kn okr mlk 

mead. 365 

xxxvi. 

No hall ever made immovable. B-l ahl b hlk ose 1 ny [a] 

Cynon, gentle breast, sovereign, saint. Kn lahm hk msl hds 

Sat not long, elevate throne. Lo isb ark sgb kos [i] 

Pierce not, pierce (again). Kn 1 Kn 

Keen point, lance. 370 Sn pah hdd 

Perforate, enamel armour, penetrate troop. 01 zbyt [i] sr bn alem 

Swift van, horses front, tore along. Bhl pn [i] ss kdm irk isr 

At day, anger, blasting blade, Koys om dbr hrb 

When Cynon, rush, battle, green, dawn. M Kn mahr [a] irk orb 



18 

NEW VERSION. 

XXXIV. 

By night, in the cauldron is cooking. Gomer draws out 

His idle flock on the board. 

With skill work for your reward, 350 

That the umpires may not on the marks declare thee fool. 

The Ken excite by reward, 

The game overlooking, because around 

Wide is their glory among wise singers. 

In slippery places, among deceptions, they move. 355 

XXXV. 

By night, in the cauldron, the food cooking, 

With skill, silence, expectant, 

The rulers distribute glory, divided with pleasure. 

The cup (box) sheds its burthen ; among the first the Rook, 

Because the Rook, with quick moves, follows to destroy. 360 

This castle attacks the multitude, 

Unless the chief, Gododin, attack : 

The knave retreats to your heart's content. 

Now off quickly, he waits for revenge 

Of old Menu, cut off gain in the midst. 365 

XXXVI. 

In the night, the cauldron cooking at the hostelry, 

The Ken take food and riddles for a holyday. 

See, their stay extending, they lie down comfortably, 

Ken opposite Ken ; 

With ivory ranks of Gododin, 370 

Up they direct their fingers in silence. 

At Belus' high place of yore, at first Irak taught 

The Cushen, introducing to them the game 

With the great Ken, the kings of Irak, mixed. 



19 



THE GOPODIN. 
XXXVII. 

Grievous descent (made on) native territory. 375 

Suffer encroachment, fix limit. 

Spear, force, push, laugh, chief, war. 

Far as Ephyd, reach, valour, forward, Elphin. 

Furze kindle, ardent spirit, bull conflict. 

XXXVIII. 

Grievous descent, native territory. 380 

Price, mead, hall, feast, wine. 
Blades scatter between two hosts. 
Illustrious knight, front Gododin. 
Furze kindle, ardent spirit, bull conflict. 

XXXIX. 

Grievous descent, turn, extend riches. 385 

Army turn aside, trail shields. 
Shields shiver, herd, roaring Beli. 
Dwarf in bloody field, hasten/fence. 

Our side came, hoary (man) chief, counsel. 

On prance, piebald steed, golden chain. 390 

Boar, a compact, front course, great plot. 

Worthy, shout, refusal. 

Cry, heaven protect. 

A compact, prostrate, spear, battle. 

Warriors in respect, far-fame fosse. 395 

Not quarrel, though host press ground. 



ARAMITIC 

Kbd rdah zr id 

Nsa obr Nahl btrm 

Kn koah shk bz 

Od Phut Irk Mza rm alf 

Sina [i] ikd hra roah Sr Hd 

Kbd rdah zr id 

Mhr [a] mtk b ahl sitaiin 

Hd prd bn sn Abr 

A [i] 1 [i] sr pn gdd 

Sina [i] ikd hra roah Sr Hd 

Kbd rdah pnah irk azr 

Abr pnah-dk sar 

Sr prd rks onk Bl 

Zor bad-m ikl mahr [a] 

mzah 
Id no sb bl ioz 
01 dgl ss brd zb sr sr 
Hzr brt pn drk gal orm 
Kn [o] sho man 
Kra smm isy 
Brt mahr [a] kn nsk 
Hrb bgalla sb irk h [k] ma 
Lo ior gm aim zr arz 



Pierce, skill direct (behalf of) power. 
For fair corpse fell on ground. 
For cutting hair, head. 
For Gwydien, eagle, air. 
Gwyddig bring, protect field. 



Kn iht isr gdl 
L pri nbl oml arz 
L zmr sor pn 
400 Goi idy nsr roh 
Goi dg nsa gn bor 



19 

NEW VERSION. 

XXXVII. 

Glory and dominion to the garter'd side, 375 

The banner of Heber. The Nile, in the beginning, 

Had its caney track turn'd aside by Rahab. 

Irak had not passed over to Phut. Irak in Mizraim, chief, 

In the double plain Hud triumphed, Prince Hud. 

XXXVIII. 

Glory and dominion to the garter'd side, 380 

Greatest among leaders and dignities ! 

Hud, of the Britons, twin son of Heber, 

The leader directing the original migrations, 

In the double plain first triumphed Prince Hud. 

XXXIX. 

Honour and glory turn to the garter'd side, • 385 

The great Pendragon, knight. 

British knight, bound with collar of supremacy. 

The garter separates from the less the greatly distinguished, 

Wherefore he is praised by the chief of boughs (Druids), 

Praised by the bright lamp, the bard diffusing song. 390 

The garter distinguishes the great Pendragon's office ; 

The Ken elect him in a way, 

And bow to the officer elected. 

The commune of the great Ken introduced 

This game in Gaul, with the praise of the Irak sage. 395 

No purple band of the garter in that land. 

XL. 

To the Ken is skill to teach singers, 

To make fruitful the fools and mean of the earth ; 

For song, chief singers, 

The people of science ; inspiration separates them 400 

From those of the multitude, backward boors, 



20 



THE GODODIN. 

Resemble, honour master. 

Morien, bless song, bring, protect. 

Ruin, hall, cleft heads. 

First youth, strength, old age. 405 

Equal three (men), though a maid, Bradwen. 

Equal twelve, Gwenaby, son, Gwen. 



ARAMITIC. 

Dm kbd adoni 

Mi-orm brk Sr ns gn 

Oi ahl hrb kd 

Bl nhr [i] oz. Sb 

Dm sl-s ga [i] m. Bt 

Bard-awn 
Soah osr sn Goi-nby bn 

goim 



Pierce, skill direct, great power, woman. 

Servant bore shield, action. 

Energy, swords fell, head, foe. 410 

Lloegyr, churls out (way), before chief. 

Grasp mane, wolf without, club. 

Hand, gorgeously blazon robe. 

Engagement, wrath, carnage. 

Bradwen perish, not escape. 415 

XLII. 

Carcasses, gold, (mailed) warriors, lay (city) Gph hrz mza znah sr 

walls. 
No houses (or cities), Christians, active war. Ain bt nzr ose hrb 



Kn ikl isr gdlot 
Spha nsa Sr oshe 
Oz hrb [a] oml ras aib 
Lyg okl zra pn bl 
Gryph bdd zb bl 
Id [y] ikr [y] khl moli 
B kdkd kos [i] hrg [y] 
J B-rda-m mt ain hps 
I Bard-awn . . . 



But one feeble shout aloof. 

Roving birds. 

Truly, Syll, Virein, reports more. 

Chance come, Llwy. 

Around inlet of flood. 

Reports more. 

Hour matins. 

Morning breeze, support (well). 



Z-l ikd rk [y] mys [y] sgb 

Nd oph 
420 Kn Syl orm sbl iora 

Pym boa loi 

Odni mhz pig 

Sphr ior-[o]m 

Ot Kn 
425 Sphr [i] roa ns 



When fame, conquer. 



M sb kbs [z] 



20 

NEW VERSION. 

Loading the soil about them. 

May skill have homage, as the chief of banner and shield. 

The churlish, by mutual contention, 

Confuse the light of counsel. Praise 405 

The quiet of lords of song. Trust bard-inspiration. 

In their studies are double blessed, the people of wanderings 
among nations. 

XLI. 

To the Ken is skill to teach song. 

Their business to bring up singers, making 

Strong and important those foolish and weakly parentage. 410 

Let them mock skill and beauty, eminent and foremost, 

The Gryph separates from the herd a chief. 

Knowledge divides the churl from the excellent. 

In the contest quickly separating them. 

(From the descent to death, 

(Bard inspiration moves the soul. 415 

XLII. 

Bow ! the heralds press, encircled with their chains. 

Poetry crowns the deeds of heroes ; 
These it takes up, sinks down, 
Reproach. 

The Ken, that fox-craft, Shiboleth, teach. 420 

As the hollow bell joins 
Pleasantly tones separated, 
As the trumpets triumph. 
#Now Ken, < 

The book of the teachers raise. 425 

XLIII. 

While the separated return 



21 



THE GODODIN. 

Protect ears of corn, up (land). 
Deserve, say, run, as marked (men). 
Entrance, Din Drei, not guard. 
Mountain, rich, who approach. 
City, army, venture, enter. 
Gwynwydd name, not hear, person see. 

XLIV. 

Though hundred (men), one house. 

Know care, war. 

Chief men pay contribution. 

XLV. 

Not head-strong, petulant. 
Not avenge, drive on. 
Laugh, derision. 
Particle (under), foot (go). 
Knee racked. 
Loaded. 

Subterranean house. 
Iron chain. 

Passes over knee (two). 
Yet of mead, horn. 
Host of Cattraeth. 
Anewrin sing. 
Know Taliesin. 
Communicate thought. 
Strain of Gododin. 
Before dawn, bright day. 

XL VI. 

Chief (exploit), north, hero accomplish. 
Gentle breast, more (liberal), lord, see. 
Earth support, mother bear. 
So illustrious, power, steel, warrior. 



ARAMITIC 

Smr Prd ol , 

Kn amr [a] h rz [a] k tyn 
Pah dn adr 1 Smr 
430 Hr oshr asr ngs 
Kr alem ns-m-at 
Goi nd sm 1 smy is [s] roah 

Gam mo ikd bt 
Idy honi hrb 
435 Pn m slm mni 

Lo klh okl 
Lo gml id [y] 

Lziyg 

Nml rgl 
440 Brk hbl 

Sbl 

Tht bt arz 

Br-zl 

Brh Brk 
445 Pthkrn 

Alem Cattraeth 

Orm [i] sr 

Idy tin iss 

Prdim 
450 Mli gdd 

Pn sphr zhr-om 

Rsh [y] z [oy] phn hrb klah 
Hn hk iora rzah roa 
Arz sbl am hoi 
455 Kn ngah gbr nks hrb 



21 

NEW VERSION. 

To Somerset, of the upper communes, 

Great Ken, condescend to these little ones. 

In our selected chamber in Somerset, 

The noble is happy whom you regard. 430 

Call on God. Oh, breathe 

On the people of wanderings (ancient title of titles) thy spirit. 

XLIV. 

The papyrus, first folly, 

And the cares of knowledge inscribed, 

And the chief secrets of Menu. 435 

XLV. 

Not unto all is skill, 

Nor the inferior know 

These laughable twists. 

The vulgar busy-body 

Cowers in the bonds. 440 

Of the riddle. 

Condescend, daughter of the land, 

A son of prayer 

Blesses, blesses (thee). 

To mouth and throat 445 

Is silence of Chess. 

Anewrin means 

Knowledge of old song 

Of the Britons. 

The song of Gododin is 450 

The chief book of the teachers. 

XLVI. 

To the bad are troubles joined to reproach. 

The trained learn pleasures of the spirit. 

The riddle has pleasure and glory. 

The Ken, the leader, the great one, observing the contest. 455 



22 



THE GODODIN. 

Force, gleam, sword, protect. 

Cruel, subterraneous prison, bring out. 

Chamber, death, hostile region. 

So Ceneu, son, Llywarch, energy, bold. 

XLVII. 

Not bear reproach, congress. 
Sonyllt, vessels (full) mead. 
Sword rang, deed violent. 
Shout, bound, aid, war. 
Arm prove comprehensive support 
Against army, Gododin, Bryneich. 
Booth, to horse, prepare hall. 
Stream, gore, dark-brown harness. 
From hand, issue, thread, gleam. 
Like a hunter, shooting with bow, 
Gwen attacking, mutually push 
Friend, foe, by turns. 
Warriors cut away, flee. 
But generous defend every region, 

XLVIII. 

Llech Lenen, land, Lien, and Llendvre. 

Course, Gododin. 

Course, Ragni, close at hand. 

Even the hand direct, splendour, battle. 

With branch, Caerwys. 

Before shattered. 

By season of storm, by storm of season. 



ARAM1TIC. 

Id ss hrb znah 

Zr th arz sgr hps 

Hdr mt zr irk 

K k-nin loi ork oz mza 

460 Lo ona kla Kn 
[I] sn lilt kr mtk 
Hrb shoa oshe ams 
01 dgl ozr m rza 
Zry bhn gryph Sbl 

465 Om abr Gdd Bara inak 
Bt 1 sh mn ahl 
Prk adm orb zka 
M id zk arg ira 
K k-nz mta k-sht 

470 Goim kdkd krb aid 
Hk zr pnim 
Hrb rgy hps 
Kn gn Smr kl irk 

Lkh loi ai [a] La la dva 
475 Asr gdd 

Asr rko krb' 

Kn id [y] ail ikr mlk 

Om soyph kr os 

Om prd 
480 Ot zly-oft zaly-oft paum 



G. Mael. 
Somewhat bright the impulse of the grey wolf; 
The shout of the black men feeble. 
Let the immovable stone in front of the host. 
Hatch an anchor, the expanse. 

Blood-stained horses and men devoured before Hz-h rm-s ss dm ngd Gdd 
Gododin. 



Lo-md nhg-d sb zb 
01 doi-rk 

Lo-1 mt bn ngd aim 
Osh-k-zk rgy 



22 

NEW VERSION. 

His side, the ancient hero, girded 

With garter and yellow gold ; he regards 

The robe slipp'd from his garter'd side 

To his breast, child bound to his affection, the Druid press'd. 

XLVII. 

In the night, halt all the Ken. 460 

Sleep and owlet-cry between. 

Neighbours distribute to the fire its burthen ; 

Aloft the lamp, the bolt in the socket. 

They scatter riddles between 

About the great Gododin — bread and bottle — 465 

The daughter, kneading, serving food. 

Breaking silence shortens the gloom ; 

Hearty laughter casts out fear. 

Linked evolutions move as straws, 

When people mutually tickle sides. 470 

In the court-yard the bell. 

Neighbours instantly bid adieu, 

Ken with Ken through all Somerset spread. 

XLV1II. 

" Lech," is joined. Here's " la." U La," is weary. 

What is " Gododin ? " 475 

What ? A trifle to Cherubim. 

Of a truth the wisdom of God places aloof kings, 

As we brush away the building of a moth. 

As to the Britons, 

(Shutting off riddles ; riddles off to beat of tabor), 480 

Gr. Mael. 

Learned leader of the celebrated flock. 

Aloft, on her way, 

Night moves between spotted silence ; 

Darkness pours out instantly. 

Out of doors, aloft, is silence. Silently, neighbours, to the spotted Grododin. 



23 



THE GODODIN. 

Form rank (against), hundred thousand. 

Come from Dindovydd. 

In region, Dyvneint. 

Deep design. 

Sharp pierce. 

Wholly chant. 

Even the army shatter, shield. 

Before bull conflict. 

Hostile van, break. 

XLIX. 

Foes, sorrow, greatly tremble. 
Since battle, active tumult. 
Border, Ban Carw. 
'Round border, Ban Carw. 
Fingers, Brych, hurt, shaft, spear. 
Defend Pwyll Disteir Distar. 
Defend Pwyll Rodri Rhychwardd. 



ARAMITIC 

Izr tkn rbah 
Izy dn Dvd 
01 id doi Dvi honi ant 
Om-k izr 
485 Stl Kn 
Tarn ryn 

Kn hrb [a] prd gn 
Pn sr rb 
Aib pn rgy 

490 Aib aod md rys 

Akr mlk ose rks 

Aps bn Ceri 

Sb aps bn Ceri 

Zbyot ork noi id Kn 
495 Smr pah 11 id str id str 

Znah Pul ry Dor ry ok or od 



Stout bow, spent, Rhys Rhiwdrych. 
Not bold, not attain purpose. 
None escape, overtake, pierce. 



Oz kst m-ta 
Lo hsn lo ork im 
Kain hps sagah Kn 



Not meetly, buckler, pierce. 



500 Lo Kn Sr Kn 



G. Mael. 
The course where is the arising of salutation. Rz [a] [o] rm brk 

Fair course of bards, a spreading of vapour before Pr-rs ml [o] rky hbl ngd dk 

the fortress of effusion. zba 

Did not swear the shield under suffering. 



Mischief of dun horses in the front entrance. 
The hour a plague to manhood. 
The holly, spear, shedding of blood. 
When it thrust into a friend, did thrust. 
It was no others that it unblameably did cut. 



[A] ot ss s-rk b- [o] pa-pa 

Ot dbr 1 mza 

Olh Kn Prd adam 

Dk-1 hk-nga 

L kl ahr k-1 ndp hoz 



Will be possessed of fair freedom that may Ken phry [n] zly mahr 
quicken us. 



23 

NEW VERSION. 

That's the great hidden difficulty, 

Counsel us, Judge David. 

Because dark, dark is trouble to ye (" Honi ant"). 

About your garter, 

Plant of the Ken, 485 

Joined to Erin. 

Ken, great British Ken, 

Heads of song-rivals ! 

I'll come that way in a moment. 

XLIX. 

Father Hud was a Median chief (or chief judge). 490 

He distanced kings ; his acts earned 

The goal in heaven, 

Rest at last in heaven. 

A long line extended of Ken wanderers 

To the west enhance of night, darkness, still darkness. 495 

Surrounded by Pul at the gap of Dor, the break at the corner 

of the mountain limit, 
Uz, of Cush, where it leaves the ancient outlet-road, 
To the Cushen at their extension on the sea. 
Here you have the borders of the song-wandering Ken. 

L. 

Prythee ! Ken, singer-Ken ! 500 

G-. Mael. 
Pleasant craft ! Welcome. 
Spread the pieces, arrayed in strings, on the spotted board spread out. 



Symbol (piece) of quickness, the Hook, an eye-wink (Bo-peep. See Aramitic)^ 

A piece leading thoughtfulness 

To the Ken, commune-men, 

Standard of soldier- craft. 

At Calah, illustrious. Calah drove out of doors 

The Ken, scattered to happiness and greatness. 



24 



THE GODODIN. 

Upon flank, steed. 

Not meetly, place thigh on. 

Long leg, slender, grey charger. 

Dark, shaft, dark. 

Darker saddle. 

Hero in a cell. 

Gnaw shoulder, buck. 

(May) hand, triumph. 

Far off, shoulder, venison. 



ARAMITIC 

01 id [i] ss 
Lo Kn sm Irk 
Hr sok ark Horeb [i] ss 
Skr id doi 
505 Skr iora omed 
Hrb syl 

Roah a [i] lo skm 
Id [y] irioh 
Sgb zry a [i] lo 



Well, Adonwy came, support Gwen. 



Bradwen, abandon, foam, brine. 



510 Haa aod honi [a] bo sbl 
Gwin 
Bard-awn oz-b rks mla 



Fought, slaughter, burn, though Morien 
(Not) surpass in martial deeds. 
Regard rear van. 
Tower, un-helmet, presence. 
Observe, great swell, sea, knight. 
Mangle (grant no), shelter, Saxon. 



515 



Ml [h] k h-rg ikd gam orm 

Itr mlt- ose 

Lo soa akr rs 

Rm [a] bl kby pna 

Skr gdl mahr [o] im sr 

Rzah sk skn 



Gododin, in respect of thee, demand. 

G-. Mael. 
When he lead Cyhuran to the famous sea- strand. 

Mighty the sword-stroke round the gate, round 

the gates. 
In the gate the man made a great scattering. 

And on the stones of the murky funeral pile, 
The government of heaven's dwelling, Eiddin's 

arrangement. 
Woes to us, by reason of the mourning and its 

mourning to the plain. 
When the foreigners came towards Din-Eiddin, 
Every learned man of the land was selected 
In the contest with Lsegria, a host of various seeds. 



Gdd omk sa [y] 1 



Ma dbr-k-Ur sb ahl 

G [h] dl Hrb Hd odn Sr sb 

Sr 
B Syr adm abr rzg 

Lbn orb kbr gl 

Sis smm Kn idy mni 

Honi b Galla kab kab 1 oml 

M nkr ab Od dn idy 

Kl-l-md as ai-br 

B-dn om lyg aim Nmr zry 



24 

NEW VERSION. 

The high, ancient province. 

Of the Ken is the place (title) of Irak ; 

At Ur their dwelling extending to ancient Horeb. 

Observe and know ; 

Knowing, teach about (thee) 505 

Approaching the grave. 

The Spirit of God prevent thee ! 

Learn and teach, 

Then lie down beneath the arm of God. 

LI. 

Ha! trouble. Honi. Father of riddles, Gwion ! 510 

And bard-inspiration strengthen me in this troublesome 

labour, 
Labour like the web-entangled object of skill. 
Of crowned heads the deeds 
Are not equal to this contrivance. 

Cast at it quickly. Give it up ! Turn it over ! 515 

Consider ! Rest ! Hurry on ! Stand still ! Go back ! 
A pleasant game of games. 

LII. 

Gododin, deep hole ! 

G-. Mael. 
Who shall lead ye back to the famous tents of Ur ? 

At rest is the warrior Hud in pleasant Syria, famous Syria. 

In Syria the seed of great men. 

Lebanon and Horeb, the ancient boundary, 
In three places of the Ken we know the race. 

" Honi ! " in Wales hid, hid in obscurity ! 

Where, unknown, is father Hud, that ruler known ? 

At Calah, a judge was Heber, 

In contest with the ridiculous Nimrod leprosy. 



25 



THE GODODIN. 

Dale beyond ridge, Drum Essyd. 
Slave, greedy, wealth, capable, restrain. 
Counsel, son, valour, shine forth. 
Place, appoint, conference. 
Not meanly front Llanveithin. 
In twilight to twilight revel. 
Splendid, full, purple, pilgrim. 
Kill, defenceless, delight, bulwark, toil. 



ARAMITIC. 

Spl ork tr drm ms sd 
520 Spt nsk osr akl Hsk 

Oz[z] bn ksn ikr 
m hg iot 

Lo spl om 1-nbith 

B n-sph oreb skr 
525 Gl-s ml argm kds 

Rzah bl gn nym dk ain 



Inseparable companion, voice like Anewrin. Lo bd roa kl k orm 



Together, rise foremost, fight, warrior. 

Body, march, Cattraeth, noise, eager, speed. 

Effects of mead, hail, beverage, wine. 530 

Blades scatter between two armies. 

Illustrious knight, front, Gododin. 

Furze (Eithyn) set on fire, ardent spirit, bull, 

battle. 

G. Mael. 
Nine score round one upon the plain, 
On its border, horses and harnesses and silken 

raiment, 
Supplied inspiriting for the dreadfulness of the 

battle. 
Of the retinue of Mynyddawg, when they hastened, 
Brilliant around the liquor- store (they enjoyed) 

luxury. 
For the banquet of Mynyddawg be my mind. 
Full many lost I of the men, my kindred. 
Not three, excepting one man, did return. 
The retinue of Grododin, the eloquence of mystery, 
Swan-coloured horses and out-spread harnesses, 
And in the front-entrance a numerous host came 

down, 
Defending the thistle-stalks and mead of Eiddin. 
By the counsel of Mynyddawg the shield strayed, 
The blade- spear fell upon the pallid face. 

The men who skulked not underwent not disgrace. 
Was not the wine a pledge journey ? 



Ikd nis k-dm 1km hrb 
Ndn iza C soa org bhl 
Id mtk ahl sita iin 
Tyr zry b [h] n sn alem 
Ikr [kr] sr pn gdd 
Idy ikd ash roa [i] sr hrb 



Tsh-y-shn byd-n-kd Sdi 
L Tr-ss hsm Tsh 1-bs 

Mn-r-oa-irg nsk 

Ngph Mnu mahr 
Nahg sb ms hsa-r-rk 

Shta Mnu-im 
Rahb sm-t-as Cali 
L-s-ls zl akd sb 
Aim Gdd dbr msl 
Nsm ss Calah Rk Cushn 
B pa-pa Rahb Asr rd 

Smr atd Ba [y] d mtk idy 
Ot Mnu tka-gn 
Hd Kn npl ss-pha 

Asr Cla ndp 1 Cla 
M-[o] in mahr hlk 



25 

NEW VERSION. 

Spread the tables in a row. The south is wet. Shed 
Spits their reek, pots their food. Drink 520 

Stirs among the cups ; afterwards 
The feast is established. Now 
To the table, a poor prophet, 
Son of lips, diviner of dark 

Riddles like to a web, distributes 525 

Pleasure and comfort to the wanderers ; trouble is extin- 
guished. 
Take respite, as the portion of skill (Anewrin). 

LIII. 

Cuts of battle, equal to the warriors, 

Pigmy force of chess, like array'd chiefs. 

The strong leaders have their places between ; 530 

In rows confined their ivory forms, silent 

They meet, looking for the attack. 

Knowledge, together with quickness, friend, directs the game. 



G-. Ma el. 
Loose doing, poured out behind the flocks of Shadai, 
To Tarsus, of Cushim, their outworks of shame, 

(There) the weaver's beam and web were introduced. 

Shut out by Menu the great. 

The leader of the famous levies of Coshier, the Rook, 

Was outcast of Menu. 

Rahab had a title of looseness as Calah, 

Kneading, kneading vileness in one another's praise. 

So, formerly, the Grododin led sov'reignty. 

Established at ancient Calah was the Cosheirot Rook. 

In the East, Rahab and Ashur conquered. 

In Somerset, foremost was Bath among schools, 

The pieces of Menu array'd 

To the Ken riddle a favourite subject. 



Ashur to Calah, to Calah reproach. 
Ruin to Colchos the great. 



E 



26 

THE GODODIN. ARAMITIC. 

LIV. 

Together rise, expert warriors. Ikd ns [k] knakim 

A stranger (man), crimson robe, pursue. 535 Zri hrma sml Sgaim 

Encampment . broken-down, gorgeous pil- Kn-hrs ikr kds 

grim. 

Where young deer were, in full melody. Olm zb [i] ml ml 

Among, spear, Brych, see no rods. Mtk kn York lo ar kal sbt 

With the base, worth, not concord. M kla kn lo slm 

Morial pursue, countenance dishonourable deed. M ari ol Sgah hkr rk ose 

Steel blade, ready, effusion, blood. 541 Nhs [i] hd ot-id sph kdm 

LV. 

Together rise, associate warriors. Ikd ns h-k hrb 

Strangers, to country deeds proclaim. Zri arz [a] ose hg 

Slaughter, axes, blades. Hrg krdm toyr 

Raising large cairns over hero, toil. Rahb gdol kbr obr hrb oni 

LVI. 

Experienced warrior, meet together. 546 K-nkm ikd krkr- 

(All with) one accord sally forth. -ikd im psy 

Short life, long grief, love. Zor hii ark ava Kdr 

Seven times number, Llsegrians slay. Sby sphr lyg ktl 

After conflict, wives scream. 550 Akr kd Sgl shrk 

Many mother (has) tear, eye-lash. Mni [H] am bki dlph iin 

LVII. 

No hall ever made (so) faultless. B-l ahl b hlk ais bl kla 

G. Mael. 

The wine feast before Cattraeth, in united pro- Sht-in pen Catraeth hk Smr 

tection. 

When the blade-spear slaughtered in excitement, Hd Kn rzh sht 

Upon earth it was not ignoble, when it was seen. L adam lo kala nba [y] t 

Not life, the demon, in defending himself. L aia Syr b Smr 

Mischievous, chief-sharer of the land of Madoc. Ot pn hlk arz Madoc 

When they gave fair salutation, there was no M-ntn iphy [1] salm 1 ai brk 

escape for life. 

The vengeance of Arvon assailed them, the beholding Grml " Ar-honi " si ar hsm 

of heroism. 



26 

NEW VERSION. 

LIV. 

With battle-cuts, like trained warriors, 

These figures go ; a picture of wanderers 535 

Of Ken ; is this contrivance ? Carchadenians 

Formerly spreading part in part 

Among the Ken at York, for merchandize staying. 

(With all are the Ken at peace). 

From the Oriel, the wanderers, the Cerchish, 

Observing, first turned hand to this eastern game. 541 

LV. 

Battle-cut^, as contest of 

Enemies, pleasure-making game, 

Carthagenian rows. 

Great Rahab long since delivered over the pleasing contest. 

LVI. 

As war-cuts, Cartha- 546 

genian invention of 
Miniature enemies drawn out, or from, Arabia. 
The complete book laughs at the restricting 
Carchedones to Sicily, a yellow 550 

Race of Hamon, a cleft dolphin. 

LVII. 

At night, cauldron on fire, now hurry all. 

G-. Mael. 
Decline (cases of) before chess was in favour in Somerset. 

The Ken riddle is an amusement in decline, 

Not a man, not any in prophecy (poetry), 

That were singers in Somerset. 

Now the chiefs are trodden down, Madoc ! 

Victims ! Beams no rest to those passed over hither. 

Returns the (" Ar-honi ") " Rise, woe ; attack ! Rise, ye brave ! 



27 

THE GODODIN. ARAMITIC. 

Lion, generous, majestic lion, path, kind. Lbia sy hdr lsh sbl rhk 

As Cynon, gentle breast, comely lord. K nin han hk hdr bhl 

Fame, city, extend, remote (part). 555 Sb kr ark sgb 

Staying, shelter, army, benefit, flow, melody. Mny gn abr Kn nahr rn 

See, see after. Ar ar akr 

Earth, (engage) arms, battle-cry, war, (display) Arz hsn iriyh hsn hrb 

hero. 
Slew, mounted ravager, keen blade. Ktl or od kd tyr 

Like rushes, fall before hand. 560 K-gma npl asr-id 

Son, Clydno, lasting fame, sing to thee. Bn kl-ud rhb hud Sr 

Song, praise, without beginning, without end. Sr Hud bl rs bl apes 

# 

LVIII. 

After feast, wine, banquet, mead. Hkr sta iin shkr iora 

Enriched, first-fruits, slaughter. Osr bkr hrb 

Mother, spoliation. 565 Am Shadai 
Energy, Eidol. Oz id Alo 

Honour, mount, van. Od [a] Tar rsh 

Presence, victory. Ngd nzr 

Hovering raven. Of Oreb 

Ascend sky. 570 Ns m-ny 

GL Mael. 

The land of Britons, the horses of Cynon. Aha Prdn ss Knm 

Read ye the lecture, the cry of the place of the Sphr sphr shy sm 

bright mount. 
The race-course, G-ododin's race-course. Rz hlk Gdd rz hlk 

No battle, no battle ; a convention, a convention. L mlk 1 mlk yz yz 
Tempestuous the effusion of drink-vessels, effusion Zrm Sdi skr ash Sdi aim 

of the host. 

The bossy shield of the Eector, its round front was Nd sr rgl gl-pha rgy 

broken. 
The gold on the wall of the Caer, garment of Sgr sr Caer lb-s-idi 

knowledge. 
Let not land love battle, battle of grinding to meal. Lo 1 hml mlk lty si 

Wall of the land was beautiful, beyond being Sr-ai phr ark sphr 
spoken of. 



27 

NEW VERSION. 

Flames move in the room ; they knead corn-meal. 

As the child, from prayer, on the breast, to the chamber is 

hasten'd, 
The old man calls out, before lying down, 555 

u Your race, great Ken, are the Ken of Naharina, 
Of Armenia, behind 
The land of Cush, Ur, of Cush heroes. 

In Ur Hud checked Cadytyris ; 

So, also, Pul-asr-ad. 560 

Ye are sons all of Hud, mighty Hud, Prince, 

Prince Hud, chief lord, fortunate leader." 

LVIII. 

Consider your descent and meditate on your distinction. 

Happy heirs of heroes. 

People of " Shadai." 565 

The power of the hand of God 

Over the waters (Tarshish), 

Conducted ye, separated 

From Horeb. 

His inspiration descended 570 

Gr. Ma-el. 

Alas, Britons ! Quickly, Ken ! 
Trumpets, their notes now sound out ! 

Run ! trample the invaders, tread them down ! 

To battle, to battle, ye Druids, ye Druids ! 

The storm, the Almighty observes, the Almighty is the Lord. 

Wandering singer, ye have borne patiently. Change is instantly. 
From prison, ye singers, to heaven and the heart of God. 
Lo ! to humiliation, kings ! kings hide their boasting. 
Singers, now breaks forth the trumpet." 



THE GODODIN. 

Foremost spear* around, thick. 
Like crop, green barley. 
Without semblance, retreat. 
Warrior, wonder, shake javelin. 
Pouting with pallid lips. 
Cause, keen, destructive sword. 
From front, banquet, deprive, sleep. 
Vigour, (spring) forth (upon), awake. 
Mother, lance, lead, din. 



575 



ARAMITIC. 

Pn Kn Od oby 

K zry syr irk 

B-l bn sr 

Hsm Pl-syr-hdn 

Zd m ss spt 

Id sn sd hd 

M pn sta bl rdm 

Of zz or 

Am kn nhg hi 



Feast, wine, banquet, mead, march 580 

To strife, mail (clad) warrior. 

Not know tale, slaughter (records). 

Complete destruction. 

Before Cattraeth, loquacious host. 

Retinue, Myny (ddawg), greatly deplore. 585 

Of three hundred (men), only one return. 



Sta iin skr mtk psy 

L rb sr sr 

Lo idy sphr rza 

Kla soa 

Ngd Catraeth spht alem 

Olm Mnu md Yoni 

M sis ikd Yona 



Feast, wine, banquet, mead, march. 
(Men) renown, difficulty, prodigal lives. 
Fair order, (round) viands, (feast) together. 
Wine, mead, tribute, enjoy. 590 

Retinue, Myny (ddawg), ruin to me (come). 
Lost general from among true friend. 
Regal army, three hundred, hasten Cattraeth. 
None return, save one alone. 



Sta iin skr Bl psy 
Hg Yoni Soyai 
Pr ork zd ikd 
Irs mtk Mni rza 
Olm Mnu ot [a] li 
Ahr alph Mmni hk-kn 
Msl al-m sl-s hs Catraeth 
Lo kl Yona zl ikd 



Impetuous ball, combat, spear, present. 
On horse, find at home (when not). 
Illusive aid bring to Gododin. 
Apart, wine, mead, not restrain. 
Perish course. 



595 Rs gl nsk gdd Phurzan 
01 ss mzah pnm 
Kls ozr nboa gdd 
Nzr iin mtk lo cala 
Mt rz [a] 



28 

NEW VERSION. 

On the head of the Ken-father, Hud. " 

Separated from Irak's wall, 

Of Lebanon, he check'd 

The Cushite, Pul-syr-haden, 

At the outlet Mishpat, 575 

On the side of the double Sid. Hud 

In the van advanced, lord of the south. 

From the Zuzzim to Ur, 

Truly the Ken rejoice in their leader. 

LIX. 

Observe the dignitaries in miniature ranks, 580 

Striving prince with prince. 

I know no book of pleasure 

That compasses or equals it, 

Compared with Chess, silent business. 

From old Menu, judge of the Hindus, 585 

Of all sovereigns was the foremost among Hindus. 

LX. 

Observe the places of the miniature leaders, 

The Hindu game. Observe 

In fair order they move, separated. 

The chiefs between the distributed warriors ! 590 

Of yore Menu planned this. 

Afterwards succeeded to Menu the Ken. 

(Of mysteries the mystery, Chess.) 

To all the Hindus he was the first prince. 

LXI. 

First on the border commences the attack, Furzen. 595 

Against those around he turns quickly. 

He breaks bars, going to the attack. 

The peculiar (pieces) between do not restrain him, 

He moves at pleasure ; 



29 



THE GODODIN. 

Red stain, warrior, ride. 600 

Steed, knight, bold morning. 

LXII. 

Angor, scatter brave. 

Pierce, sullen, serpent. 

Trample, strong, mail clad. 

Front army. 605 

Like rage, a bear, guard, assault. 

Trample, furious. 

Day, capture. 

Dark entrenchment. 

Mangling dwarf. 610 

Fury, prepare. 

Banquet, bird. 

Tumult, fight. 

Cywir, name, righteous deed. 

Leader, direct, bulwark, course, battle. 615 

Merin, fortunate, born, Madien. 



ARAMITIC. 

Hrms gla hrba tht 
Ss sr mza sphr 

Nkr prd mzah 

Kn kla nhs 

Hlk koa zka 1-bs 

Ngd abr 

K hm db [k] gn [a] gdd 

Dkobr 

Sbim 

Hsk k [o] ma 

Hrs [z] Zor 

Hm mn 

Stah of 

Rgs lhm 

K-yir sm zd-k os [o] a 

Ail tgn m-gn asr nsk 

M orm hps old m-idy 



Incumbent, sing, complete acquisition. 
Warrior, Cattraeth, (made) tumult, rout. 
Confusion, blood, tread, trample. 
Men of toil, trample, because contribution, mead, 
horn. 620 

Carnage, combatant. 
Not describe cup, bounty. 
Excitement, battle over, 
Notwithstanding much splendid eloquence. 



Kbd sr kl Kn 

Hrb Catraeth hi sr 

Kla adm hlk bs 

Goi Yoni hlk ol id Mni 

mtk krn 
Hrb rza 
Lo sphr kos sy 
Soa mlk Hud 
Aolm md aora dbr 



LXIV. 

Incumbent, sing, much renown. 
Tumult, fire, thunder, tempest. 
Glorious gallantry, knight, conflict. 



625 Kbd sr md Hd 

Rgs ash [o] rom zl-opht 
Kbd m hsm sr mlk 



29 

NEW VERSION. 

Advancing, wandering, of majesty, 600 

The minister, trumpet in girdle. 

LXII. 

Strangers in the communes attend ! 

Ken, all observe, 

(Your) lot await ! Shouts at a failure 

In presence of the great, 605 

The wise murmur, a nickname attacks him ; 

Shame of the overseers, 

The aged. 

As darkness from day, 

As pure gold 610 

Fire separates, 

They put aside 

The inferior from those. 

As he watches their places, the hunter observing 

Stags array'd in a park, who initiates 615 

In skill, let him inquire his way to knowledge. 

LXIII. 

The glory of song to all the Ken. 
The game of Chess is the glory of song. 
Equally reproach pursues failure. 

To the Hindu people it is allotted, because Menu divided 
the laws 620 

In this pleasant game. 
To that book is confidence 
Equal to King Hud, 
Formerly judge, teacher, leader. 

LXIV. 

Glory to song and King Hud ! 625 

The reward of human rank is the shadow of twilight. 
The weight of breastplate and buckler to the soldier. 



30 

THE GODODIN. ARAMIT1C. 

Ruddy reaper, war, desire. Akl zmr hr [a] b hzb 

Men toil, worthless, behead. Goi Yoni oml kdkd 

Whole length, land, hear, battle. 630 Kl ark adm ona hrb 

Shield, shoulder, incessant, cleave. S [o] r zry lo itm sopt 

Blade, bright, wine, glass vessels. Tr zhr iin gls kos 

Contribution, mead, claim gold. Hlk mtk si hrz 
Wine, brought up, Gwaednerth, son, Llywri. Irs nsa bn 11-yir 

LXV. 

Incumbent, sing, gay, illustrious tribe. 635 Kbd Sr gly nhl loi 

After law of fate, fill river Aeron. Asr sb nam nsk ml nhl orm 

Grasp, satisfy hunger, eagle, Clwyd, Gryph sby r-yb [a] nsr gl 

Prepare food, birds prey. Ose oph amos 

Who went to Catraeth, golden-chain (wearers). Asr boa Catraeth Zb [i] sr 
Message, Myng (ddawg), sovereign, people. 640 B-sr Mnu msl om 
Came not without reproach, in behalf of Brython. [N] boa lo Bl kla id Brys 
Gododin, hero, from afar, better, Cynon. Gdd hrb akr iora Kn 

LXVI. 

Incumbent, sing, many (men of) skill. Kbd Sr Mnu nkl 

In halls once led merry life, B ahl olm zhl haa 

Not without ambition, bold, all round world, L bl nsk hsn kl kl kl idy 

Eidol, seek melody. 645 El skr ml 

Notwithstanding, gold, mead, fine steed, intoxi- Aolm sgr par ss sba mtk 

cate, mead. 
Only one, love, world, return. Itm ahb nkph sr 

Cyndyllig, Aeron, one Novantian hero. Kn-11 Orm ihd Noa ant 

LXVII. 

Incumbent, sing, gay, illustrious tribe. Kbd Sr hps hd loi 

Go, message, Myny (ddawg) sovereign, Bo shr Mnu msl om 

people. 650 

Daughter, Endaw, tall, faultless gate. Bta oi dva [i] tl asm ara 

Apparel, purple robes, thoroughly true, splendid. L bs argm o [i] tm amn gls 



30 

NEW VERSION. 

Capacity in song. 

The Hindu people love the Gododin, 

In borders array'd evenly for moves of the game. 630 

Look on the bounded lines, continued ranges, 
Arrayed leaders on the smooth cup (board). 
They walk between, as on the earth, princes, 
Leaders with banners. Such for candle-light, between the 
night-watches. 

LXV. 

Glory to song ! Glory to contrivance ! 635 

The way to fame, fortune deals usuriously to design and skill. 

The riddle separates, the dense distinguishes the involved, 

Slips off burthens. 

The way Chess came to the Zab I will teach, 

By Asur. Menu the mysteries 640 

Brought to Belus, of the Chaldees, beyond Berytus, 

The Gododin, celebrated game, teaching the Ken. 

LXVI. 

Glory to song and the Menu contrivance, 

Chief, deep secret of a long while ago ; 

The confused battle to the brave, in slippery places the hand 

of God separates darkness. 645 

To bondsmen, the opening of their prison ; to the drinker, 

mead ! 
To the perfect man, love ; to the knave, chains ! 
To the Ken of the west, skill ; glory, rest to ye ! 

LXVII. 

Glory to song ! An end to idleness ! 

Messenger of the Menu riddle, 650 

This is folly as the soft heap, dew, or moth-frettings, 
Nothings, superfluities, as glass in pieces. 



31 



THE G0D0DIN. 
LXVIII. 

Soldiers, "\ 

Slender maid, > Celebrate, praise, holy. 

Men of field, ) 

Presence, kindle fire, rage high. 

* Tuesday, put on dark brown garments. 
Wednesday, purify, enamel armour. 
Thursday, destruction certain. 
Friday, bring carnage around. 
Saturday, joint labour useless. 
Sunday, blades (assume) ruddy hue. 
Monday, see pool, knee-deep, blood. 
Gododin relates, after toil. 
Before tents, Madog, when return. 
One (man) in hundred (with him) came. 

LXIX. 

Early dawn of morn. 
Battle at Abr, front course. 
Pass and knoll, pervade, fire. 
Like boar, lead, mount. 
Wealth, hill, place. 
Dark-brown hawks, stain, gore. 

LXX. 

t Quick, rise, moment, time. 

Appendix to G-. Mael. 

* On Tuesday they put on splendid robes. 
On Wednesday, bitter their assembly. 
On Thursday messengers formed contracts. 
On Friday was slaughter. 
On Saturday dealt mutual blows. 
On Sunday, pierced by ruddy weapons. 
On Monday, pool of blood, knee-deep, seen. 

t 6k Mael. — (Notes to the Gododin, Ed., Rev. J. Williams.) 
At early dawn of morn they marched Skr [h] phshy. 

To conflict, headed by the King, front, of course. Kd kd pn Mlk Pen-drk 



aramitic 

Hnk ^ 

Irak C sb hd hds 

Adm Sdi ) 

Kdm kos ais apop 
655 Mlk om nsa Hmr ot 

Rkl om br zbyt Hsm 

Oni om dk Hsi 

Kn-om ns tmot Hd 

Str om [1] loi ona bl ihl 
660 Sm-s om tor rms 

Irh om ar agm brk zol adm 

Gdd sphr ahr mlk 

Ark ahl Md m sg. 

Ikd m ma boa 

Skr oph skr 
665 Nsk Abr Pn drk 
Ga rm brh as 
[A] dm hzr nhg tr 
Oshr hi sm 
Orb nz [sk] gl adm 

670 Bhl oph nml ot 



Hdrot 
Mara ioz 
B-sr krt 



Mni krb ngph 
Dk rms kali [hi]. 



31 



NEW VERSION. 

LXVIII. 



9 ) formerly celebrated the feast of new 

* , , o, , • moons. 

The people of Shadai, / 

First Cushites of the East, 

Conquering kings of the Homerites, 655 

At the foot of the plains of Zab, in Cush. 

The Ken derive perfections from Hud. 

The darkness of night is changed to a chief palace. 

To the heaven of heavens let towers creep up. 

Daylight, through purple curtains, pass. 660 

Shall the Gododin book go in the train of kings, 

Hirelings of the Mede or Meshech ? 

No ; in front it shall advance. 



LXIX. 

Drink ! off, drink ! 

In honour of the great Pendragon. 665 

Neighbours, welcome the elected 

Man of the garter, leader of your ranks. 

To the tything, honoured institution. 

Make a libation all its men. 

LXX. 

Mix ! off (with it) constituents, 670 

G-. Mael. 
The Kedarines. 
The great Uz. 
Into Syria broke in. 

To the region of the cherubs' sphere. 
Towers creep up. 



Drink! freemen, 

Hob and nob, to the battle-chief, Pen- dragon. 



32 



THE GODODIN. 

After, kindle fire at Abr, front, fence. 

After, lead men, close array. 

Front hundred, pierce foremost. 

Sad, make pool, gore. 

Drink mead, 'midst laugh. 

Brave, slay little man. 

Fierce, impetuous stroke, sword. 

Like, (un) restrain, ocean, foe, put to death. 

Man who (otherwise) rank equal. 



ARAMITIC. 

Akr Abr Pn-dyk 
Akr ngh as zr tr 
[K] om ma Kn m [h] ra 
Honi oshe ag [o] m adm 
675 Skr ira bhn 1 [a] g 
Kn mza hrb zor 
Koys [i] rs hd hd 
K lo kla im oir zbyt 
Adm asr osr adm 



LXXI. 

Fall, headlong, precipice. 680 

Bushes support not noble head. 

Violation, privilege, kill, breach. 

Primary law, Owain, ascend upon course. 

Extend, before onset, best branch. 

Pursue study, meet learned strains. 685 

Excellent man, assuage tumult, battle. 

Grasp, dread, sword. 

Bore in hand empty corslet. 

Sovereign dispense reward, 

Out of earthly shrine. 690 

LXXII. 

Eidol, frigid, blood, pale complexion. 

Spread carnage, when maid, supreme judgment. 

Owner, horses, strong trappings. 

Transparent shields. 

Instantaneous onset, ascend, descend. 695 

G-. Mael. 
Gwair was greeted by the fluid gore. 
In the van of battle 
He was a beloved friend, 
In the day of distress. 
The wealth of the mountain, the place, 
And the forward beam of war wore a murky hue. 



Dka pnm dk [o] ph 

Sn- ain nsa Kn rs 

[I] tma hps rza hrb 

Pn [u] tr honi rm pn drk 

Itr ngd gd hurra syph 

Sgh hg kn lo-md rn 

Itr adm snn hi hrb 

Gryph irg rza 

Sbl m id rk zra 

Msl taia ol 

M arz ahl 

Idy-El kra adm 1-bn khl 
[A] zoa adm m aim ol spht 
Skr [h] ss koa mza 
Zka zna 
Tarn gd ol rdm 



Gr nsk utr adm 

Pn mlak 

Oml hk 

Om zr 

Oshr ol sht 

Skr ior ml-k-kalah 



32 

NEW VERSION. 

To the illustrious Pen-dyke ; 

Illustrious leader, man of garter and collar, 

Defender of the great Ken ; 

To cares elected, man of troubles, 

Who observes, watches, counsels, studies, 675 

The belted Ken, garter'd hero. 

A cup of old wine, hob and nob. 

Men all ! fingers up ! 

Men of the ty thing, ty thing-men. 

LXXI. 

The cloth in the corner ! cloth off! 680 

Double wine, raise to the chief of the Ken 

Ranks of free warriors ; bless 

The crowned head of care, exalted Pendragon ! 

Crowned head of affairs, hurrah ! 

Ken singers. Not too much song ! 685 

Rest and double honour to the noble warrior. 

Of the Gryph, this web he cut 

Of the Shiboleth, divide this lengthened plate. 

The mistletoe aloft ! 

Be capacity in the land ! 690 

LXXII. 

The wisdom of God calls on all the children of men. 

Now, men, the Highest your lips 

Watches. Silence is expectant among 

The pure ranks, 

Perfect ranks above all dominion. 695 

GK Mael. 
By the neighbours appointed, crowned man ! 
Head for work, 
And linked trouble, 
People of the garter. 
Tything, up, arouse ! 
Mix mead, members all ! 



33 



THE GODODIN. 
LXXIII. 

Leader, war, eager, conducts battle. 
Mallet of land, love, mighty reapers. 
Stout youth, fresh form, stain, blood. 
Accoutrements, resound, chargers, clang. 
Cheeks (covered with) armour. 700 

Image, death, scatter desolation, toil. 
First onset, lance, penetrate target. 
Track, surround, light, aim, dart, spear. 

LXXIV. 

Saints (exert) courage, destroy, retreat. 

Cellar, contain, (and where) is brewed. 705 

Mead, sweet ensnarer. 

Dawn, Gwrys, battle, clash. 

Fair gift, marshal, Laegrian tribes. 

Penance inflict until repentance (ensue). 

May dependents of Gwynedd hear retribution. 



With ashen shaft, pierce, grave. 711 

Pike, conflict, Gwynedd. 

Bull of host, oppressor of battle, princes. 

Though kindle land, before fall. 

Extreme boundary, Gododin, grave. 715 

LXXV. 

Involve, vapour, man, custom, army. 

High mind, bitter hand, leader, forces. 

Expert, ardent, stately. 

The social banquet, not harsh. 

Remove, possess, valuable treasure. 720 

Not image of thing, for benefit, region, left. 

LXXVI. 

Call, sea, border, conflict. 

Spear, mutual, dart all, equally destructive. 



ARAMITIC 

Bl hrb pshy dbr mlk 
Pts arz dod [a] gdl zmr 
Oz aim zma tmn zby adm 
Zka shoa ss shoa 
Azn nsk 

Bnt m [y] t zry dbr honi 
Ikd gd kn [a] kn gn 
Koa sb ar th irh Kn 

Hds mza sd brh 

SI Kn rkh is 

Mtk mtk iks 

B-kr kr-s ml-k kr 

Pr si ork lyg mta 

Kta 1 kta 

Mi tl honi-wnd ona gml 

M arz mta kn kbr 

K [o] dn lhm goi nd 

Sor Aim ngs mlk sr 

Gam ikd arz ark ikd adm 

Hzr gl [y] goi-odn kbr 

Gl hbl adm Kn ngph 
01 im mra zry ail aol 
Orm oph omd 
Gm roa sta lo kla 
Rk mhr azr 
Lo bnt ion Irk itm 

Kra im nml kd kd 
Kn krb rba kl kl hrb 



NEW VERSION. 

LXXIII. 

Of the confusion-game enough, the word-war, 

The spreading out of sounds, baby trot of idle song, 

Illusions, thoughts in the dark, fly-flight. 

Extended noise, 

Scales of usurers, 700 

Balancing of mites, cramp word-work. 

Attack with rushes, rush to rush, 

Splitting threads, picking up crumbs. 

LXXIV. 

Dividing chaff, stop-gap. 

Flashes of froth. 705 

Law-cases between straws, 

Of thin cakes, the image plate, 

Spreading out wasted laugh-slips. 

A cut by a " Cat." 

Hammer work, winding work of gimlets. 710 

On earth is death, O Ken ! The grave, 

As Eden pleasant to the people of wanderings, 

Inquire of God ! Look to the King of kings, 

The first object on earth, before the first man on earth 

Awoke to pleasure, people his delight of yore. 715 

LXXV. 

To the riddle vapour, rest, Ken ! Close 

Your secret, great puzzle. Change 

Your watch ! Off this ground ! 

Gomer's institution at Calah. 

This compound of great puzzles 720 

To the daughter of Javan and Irak be left. 

LXXVI. 

Nobles and commons, cut off! cut off! 
The Ken-neighbours' game, Kent, slippery game. 

f 2 



34- 



THE GODODIN. 



Impel, sharp, weapon, iron, gash, blade. Dbr sn br-zl gs pa 

Clang, sock, descends, pate. 725 Soa hrs rod kd kd 

Successful warrior, Flamddwr, against enemy. Bl ihl lhm-dr lo aib 



L xxv 1 1. 

Support, martial steed, harness, war. 
Drench, gore, from red field, Cattraeth. 

Foremost shaft, host, hold, consumer, forts. 

Brave dog, battle, tower, hill. 

Call, gleaming, post, assault. 

Beckon, hand, Heiddyn, iron (clad) chief. 



Sbl mlak ss sr 

St-oph ad-m ad-m adm 

Cattraeth 
Sk-m id hpz klh hma 
730 Hs-n kl-b hrb gba ol 
[H] kr ss omd gdd 
Oza id [da] idy br-zl [a] rs 



Sovereign, celebrate Gododin. 
Sovereign, eye-lid, weep. 

Rage, flame, Eiddyn, turn aside. 735 

Station men, firm command. 
Thick cover, guard, place in van. 
Vigorous, descend, scatter foe. 
In that he revelled, bore main weight. 
Retinue, Mynddawg, none escape, 740 

Save one (man), slow step, thoroughly weak, 
tottering every way. 



Msl apes Gododin 

Msl opop bkh 

Cam-lot idy lz 

Om-d ais syr zoa 

Yba sk Smr st brs 

Oz rdh Prd aib 

B-s gm sby sbl sbl 

Alem mn-dg lo mhr 

Zl ihd sbl la la hp-khopke 



Sustain loss, Moried, bore no shield. 
Traverse strand, set ground on fire. 
Grasp (firm) hand, blue blade. 
Shaft, ponderous, chief priest, crosier, 
Rode grey, stately-headed charger. 

Beneath blade, dreadful fall, slaughter. 

Overpowered, fled not from battle. 

Who pour out famous mead, sweet, ensnare. 



Ns smt mrh idy [E] lo ns sr 
Akl byrh ikd arz 
Gryph id tkl hd 
745 Kn kbd khn mra brk 

[I] rk-b (sb [y] yrb) omd 

rs ss 
Tht Hd igr rdm hrb 
01 kn brk m hrb 
Asr nby sb pta mtk iks 



34 

NEW VERSION. 

Double words, twisted creations splitting the head. 
Deceitful contrivance, braying against each other. 725 

Nothings in a bread-basket. Prythee be gone ! 

LXXVII. 

The Shiboleth work of sixty-six songs. 

Off with this excessive compound about Chess. 

A game very agreeable to all the wise. 

Hush, craft ! To this contest a goal. 730 

After the sixty-six staves of Gododin. 

Now step from school the released boys. 

LXXV1II. 

An end to the mystery of Gododin, 

Mystery twinkling in the shrubberies 

Of Camelot. Science laughs, 735 

Around the daisies bristle up briskly, 

In the laugh Somerset shakes her birches, 

Boughs, conquering British implements. 

In songs rest Shiboleth, of Shiboleths ! 

Silence excels the nuptial lamp. 740 

Now take the Shiboleth, take, take, appease your wrath ! 

LXXIX. 

The inspiration of the supreme wisdom of God raises 

The capacity of the boor to the first of the earth. 

The Gryph conquers all wit. 

To the Ken the glory, the great Ken ! Blessed 745 

Of Irak, in his renown, in Media, chief, 

Yields to Hud the Hagarine, the southern hero. 

Wherefore, blessed among warriors, 

The Assyrian prophet's praise spreads through generations. 



35 

THE GODODIN. ARAMITIC. 

LXXX. 

Behold, array, highland, Adowyn. 750 Bt ork gha Adonai 

Sacrifice, brought down, omen, fire. Kll nsa nam ais 

See what usual running (towards) town. Zpha asr skn rta yr 

(Men of) Nwython inflict sharp wounds. Nythn lhm hd hi 

See warrior, complete {armour, order), approach, Ar [oa] rza kl nsk ngs soa 

shout. 

Head, Dy vnwal Vrych, ravens devour. 755 Rs dvi nahl brk akl orb 

LXXXI. 

Bless conqueror, temper, mild, strong people. Brk ns im hn oz am 
Blue streamer, display, (toward) sea-roving foe. Tk-1 ns sm [y] im ny 
Brave, water, numerous host. Mza im [h] rba alem 

Manly bosom, loud shout, charge, arms. Zhr ihk yr iroia kd hd 

Usual descent before nine armaments. 760 Sgl nsy pnm tysho Aim 

Propulsive stroke, face, blood, country. Dk nga adm [h] aia 

Love, victorious throne, teem with harmony, Oml rdh m [h]ra sga gba 

strains. 
Cyndyll (ig), Aeron, lion, whelp. Knt 11 aor ari gr 

LXXXII. 

I could wish, first shed blood, Cattraeth. Akl ikd adm izk Cattraeth 

Price of mead, beverage, wine, hall. 765 Mhr mtk sta iin bhl 

Could wish, hurt, blade, sword. Mi honi tr hrb 

Ere slain, green plain, Uphin. Pn mt Rk omk ophn 

Love son, renown, who sustain bloody (fight). Ava Br-hl asr sbl dm 
Sword descend on violent. Hrb nht ol ams 

Tale, valour, (borne, related) before Gododin. 770 Sphr hsn sbl ph Gododin 
(Brings, has) son of Ceidiaw, fame, man, war. Boa bn Koa doi hg gdl 

mara 

LXXXIII. 

Sad for me, after all toil. Honi anaki akr kl [a] Yni 

Suffer pang, death, through indiscretion. Sbl agoim m [y] t om rs 

Double grief, sad for me to see. Sn [i] tn Yoni li Zab 



35 

NEW VERSION. 

LXXX. 

Daughter of the province, proud lady ! 750 

When night brings rest to men, 

Overspreading the rich dwelling and the wretched hovel, 

The basket of bread and rest. 

A pleasant friend, a wife to meet his kiss, 

The poor man's slender estate is bless'd if wit be added. 755 

LXXXI. 

Pass over ! Conqueror, hunter-race, 

Cover over victory ! Hear the people of wanderings ! 

Illustrious warriors be silent ! 

Remember the " Jack/' Hurrah ! invaders. 

The scales of victory are turned by the wisdom of God. 760 

Knock for knock is equal. 

A low fall hastens to overtake the exalted. 

Oh ! Kennet of the west, light of light is on thy dwellings. 

LXXXII. 

Skill, together with silence, for " Chess," or Catraeth. 

Haste among the moves confuses. 765 

In the distributed rows of warriors 

The chief move is Rook, among the handful, 

Or Barchol (?) to which that Shiboleth is equal, 

A warrior, suspending from his shoulder 

A trumpet, a terrible symbol in front of the Gododin. 770 

He goes among the faint ranks to announce the great king. 

LXXXIII. 

Javan (" Anak " is the later name), Javan 

(Synonym for pain) the miniature people about their chiefs 

Of ivory gave Javan at the Zab. 



36 ' 

THE G0D0DIN. ARAMITIC. 

Men fall head to foot. 775 Ass dyk mkd. L rkl 

Breath, long sigh, cover reproach. Roa [y] ark roa zph Cala 

After (strenuous) warriors, extend country, Akr Uz hrh ork ai gl 

bounds. 
Rhuvawn, Gwgawn, Gwiawn, Gwlyged. RoaVANgoigoimGoijvan 

goi lyg 
Men at their post, gallant, valiant, difficulties. Gbr sm hsn mzh zr 
May their souls, now conflict ended. 780 Akl np-s ot rb [h] akr 

Receive, heavenly region, above, tranquil. Ihb mni Irk Kn " Mrah" 

LXXXIV. 

Tres, repel foe, pool, gore. Tres dyk aib [o] agm adm 

Slaughter, like hero, who ask quarter (not). Rza adm rza asr aps Kna 

Sling, spear, flung off glass goblet. Dk kn rb gls kla 

Contain mead, defence, sovereign, overthrew Kl [a] mtk gn msl ot abr 

army 785 

Counsel prevail, multitude speak before him. lot oz mni db-r om 
Who, cowards, not remain alive. Asr kla 1 itr hai 

Before onset, battle-axe, sharp sword. Kd-m gr zn hd rza 

Blue banner, see wave. Tk-1 ns ar ny 

LXXXV. 

Maintenance, troop. 790 Smk zph 

Supply of, penetrate weapons. Kn kn hrb 

Host of men, van. Abr gbr rs 

Presenting menacing front. Mn sgah pn 

Day, strenuous exertion. Om zz oshe 

Eager conflict. 795 Yir kdkd 

Display valour. Ik [o] a mza 

After intoxicate. Akr kshk 

Drink mead (after). Sta ior 

(No) one spare. Ikd Hnw 

Though Gorwylam. 800 Gm gr olm 

Awhile success. Od akl 



36 

NEW VERSION. 

The ancient dyke, beloved land, the interpreters 775 

Being placed neighbouring to Irak, overspread Calah. 
Later, in Uz, Irak conquered around. 

Their neighbours at Van were the people of people. Javan, 

a people of strange language. 
Great names, Cush and Mizraim, 

To every territory a scourge of great terror. 780 

From Irak, " the great" received the Ken. 

LXXXIV. 

Tres (towns) of the Fosse ! deep red. 

Nobles ! red heroes, stay your path at the Kennet 

Dykes. Your shining swords restrain ! 

Be checked among the Ken schools. Turn off your armies. 

Here are Druids, a class of the solitude. 786 

Your march restrain ! No further hither. 

That head of horrors on your shield, head of slaughter 

Cover, ye warriors of Erin ! 

LXXXV. 

Briskly move troops 790 

Of the Ken warriors ! 

Of mighty men the prime ! 

Of wanderers the chief ! 

"With cheerful sounds, 

The hostile invader 795 

Your march shall find out. 

After darkness, 

Shoots out light. 

Together, ye Ken, 

Numerous race of yore ! 800 

At the ocean-shore 



THE GODODIN. 

Retort (when made), broke (charge). 
Horse, men, fate, decree. 

LXXXVI. 

Host, Pryder, arrive. 

Anxious, count bands. 805 

Eleven complete battalions. 

Precipitate flight. 

(Along) road, lament. 

Affection deplore. 

Dearly love. 810 

Illustrious dweller, wood. 

Man, Argoed. 

Accustom (wilderness, cultivated plain). 

Marshal troops. 

Benefit of chief lord of war. 815 

Laid on rough boards. 

Mid deluge, grief. 

Viands, banquet. 

Where they carouse together, conduct bright fire. 

Carpet, white, fresh hide. 



ARAMITIC. 

Gmldk 

Ss ais [y] n-am nam 

Aim Prd-r om 

Koa rs ngph 

Osr akd kala aim 

Mahr [a] brk 

HlkKn 

Ava bk 

Mdhml 

Ikr gr iol 

As r-gah-id 

Skn orb 

Ork asr 

Asr r- [s] s bl mlk 

Pkd syr kkr 

Mtk bt bka 

Zd sta 

M skr ikd nisa aor as 

-Lhm [i*] ss hds syr 



LXXXVII. 

Geraint, south, raise shout. 

On white water, buckler pierce. 

Lord, spear, gentle lord. 

Praise, mountain, sea. 

Render youth, even Geraint render, 

Generous commander. 

LXXXVIII. 

Instantaneously fame waft high. 
Anchor, scene, action (can) not restrain. 
Unflinching eagle, forward hero. 



820 Gor-nht tm-n ns soa 

L-bn im Sr kn 

Bl Kn hnn mra 

Sb or im 

Nth olm Kn gr nht nta 
825 Kn-nz-r 

Rgy sb nsa Rm 
Hzk mhza hzk lo Cla 
Lo Cla nsr kdm hsn 



37 

NEW VERSION. 

Revenge leaps forth. 
Quickly, rely on your fortune. 

LXXXVI. 

Of the banded Britons, Aram 

Was the first track in the world. 805 

Of the tything-bound to Calah, 

The great passage, 

The wayfaring Ken. 

Or the willows 

Of the Medean flats. 810 

The subsequent lot 

Ashur's valley presented, 

Dwellings of Horeb, 

Extensions from Ashur. 

Ashur, the ancient lord of empire, 815 

Visited the Syrian Sicar, 

Midway to Balbec. 

Turning aside 

From Sicar, he first conquered 

Hierus — 

Alem, that ancient holy wall. 

LXXXVII. 

People descended, through continual removes, 820 

To this offspring of the stock, 

The lordly Ken, the Ken-marah, 

Settlers of the mountains, 

Descended of yore. Ken people, descended, given up to 

The Kenizites. 825 

LXXXVIII. 

The Argo returned, bearing the Ram 

To Cyzicus, the harbour Cyzicus, from Calah, 

Not the Calah of the conquering eastern Cushen. 



38 



THE GODODIN. 

Bore toil, brilliant zeal. 
Fleet courser, outstrip war. 
A lamb, wine, goblet flow. 



ARAMITIC. 

Ns mlak nhg org 
830 Bhl [a] ss ark hrb 
Tla iin kos izk 



Ere reach grassy tomb, cheek pale in death. 
Preside over feast, pour horn, splendid mead. 



Om sga dsi kbr ph hr bmt 
Hs: sta izk km ikr ior 



lxxxix. and cxv. (Except where the differing 
lines or portions are in note.) 
Ruin, bring, every fair region. 
Fetter valour, display. 
Front, shield, pierce. 
Caso Hir, rouse anger. 
Defend Rhuvon (awg). 
Second time, challenge, crush. 
Warlike steeds, gory trappings. 



Martial nobles, form, firm array.* 



Oi [ha] sbl Cla Irk pri 
835 Sr hsn ika 

Rs Sr Kn 

Caso hr org koys 

Ntr Roa Yoni 

Sn ot bn dyk 
840 Hrb [i] ss adm hsn 

Nsk nml b-ra oz Asr 



Field, red, greatly affronted. f 

Severe conflict, blades, slaughter. 
Sad news, war, brought. 
Wove, song, calends, January. 
Adan, son, Ervai, pierce. 
Adan pierce haughty boar. 
Like a dame, virgin, hero. 
Youth, possess, properties, king. 
Stain, blood, deliverance, Gwynedd. 



B-r s-sr Md Kos 

Zr gd Tyr dk 

Kn ioz mlk nsa 
845 Arg Sr hds mhz 
Odn bn Orm Kn 
Odn Kn mra hzr 
Imn [a] sroa aim hrb 
Nhr ona ida mlk 
850 Gla adm hps goi nd 



Ere turf lay on gentle face. 

Generous, dead, now undisturbed. 

In regard to fame, gain, repose, grave. 

* Always immovable, always liberal aid, 
t His gallant nobles rouse anger. 



Om hzr ns lhm pah 
Kn mt [a] [o] za lo ot 
Om sm Kn si a s-al 



38 



NEW VERSION. 



A conquering king the Argo bore, 

The great As, Persian warrior. 830 

There are follies at Cyzicus, 

About wandering, jumping, Cabiri, mountebank potters. 

The place 5 Cyzicus, was the " splendid Horn." 



LXXXIX. 

The Shiboleth interpreting " Irak " is agreeable, 

As " Syria " indicates rough. 835 

The chief of Syria, the Ken. 

Coshier extends from the Cosh, 

Towards Hindu neighbours. 

China builds its rampart. 

Ancient warriors of the earth, the brave, 840 

(Began their boundary at the land of Ashur, 

(The Celts about us, Celts allies to the Ken ; 

(Sons of the deep red on the Median Cosh 

(Their origin at the Median Cosh. 
Their irruption was checked by the rampart Taurus, 
Hunters, conquering warriors. 

When the Argo with its chiefs cleft the channel. 845 

About the sons of knowledge, the Ken, 
About the Kenmara of the garter, 
Ensign of their array, ancient warriors. 
Naharina sent out the soldiers, 

The Celt people, to the boundary of the land of wan- 
derers. 850 
About the garter, conquering ensigns of battle 
On the Ken staff; it is their rallying standard. 
As to the names of the Ken, there are three ; 



39 

THE GODODIN. ARAMITIC. 

Namely, Garthwys Hir, from land, Rhuvoniawg. Sm grth iss or mai roa Ven 

xc. 
Garment, Tinogad, divers colours. 855 Sml itn ngd asr nmr 

Make speckle skin, young wolf. Ose nkd Or olm Zb 

Jerk, start, juggling motion. Noy roy-s at od x 

Would lampoon, lampoon eight slaves. Cla cla sm-n obd 

Father went to hunt. Ab-iza Knaza 

Pole, shoulder, provisions, hand. 860 Mta zry s [y] ph id 

Call to dogs, equal size. Soa kl-b dm rhb 

Catch, catch, seize, seize, bring, bring. Sga sga grph grph ns ns 

Kill fish, coracle. Mt gd sal 

As princely lion, fury, kills prey. Am nzr ari aph bzy hrph 

, Father, go up mountain. 865 Ab [oa] ol tr 

Brought head, roebuck, head, wild boar, head, Nboa pn zba pna hzr hn 

stag. ahl 

Head, grey moor hen, from the hill. Pnn orb opop M ol 

Head, fish, fall, Derwent. Kd gd npl dr honi ant 

As many as thy father reach (with) flesh-piercer. Soa abk ark sr Kn 
Wild boars, lions, foxes. 870 Hzr si syl 

Certain death to all, useless (very, too) nimble. Amn Mt kl am lo md zz 

xci. 

Place me, no interval, through extortion. Om pkd ain mtk ol dk 
Arrive {meet, be to me), not more formidable. Ngs krkr lo iraira 

Man not nursed more festive in hall, Gbr bl nsa iora roa ahl 

Than he, steady field of battle. ' 875 M-ho isd b sd. Hrb 

Ford of Penelwd, Pennant steeds. Brk Pn Gla-d P-nnt ss 

Far-spread fame, compact armour. Ark zoya sm [o] zr sar 

Ere long grass cover, beneath sod. Ngd ark dsi at tht hzr 

Only son of Morarch pour out horn, mead. It [o] m bn peor ark saphk 

km zph 



39 

NEW VERSION. 

The name in the neighbourhood of their ancient mates beyond 
sea is Van. 

xc. 

The likeness forthcoming for Asur is a leopard. 855 

In Asia, opposite Ur, formerly Zab, 

Naharina descends even 

To Calah. Calah, the place of Nabod, 

Abizah, Kenazah. 

Death stretches out, in swooping hand, 860 

Equally on all his staff of destruction. 

Pursuer of pursuers, grasp all, conqueror of conquerors. 

Death, for fish, has a grave 

In the water ; he takes off the bird on the extended bough. 

He ascends the tower. 865 

He marches at the head of armies and faces the conqueror. 

With corruption 
He mixes the cakes in an eye-wink. In the workshop, 
Hob and nob, he tumbles in his basket their troubles. 
Equally thy father, the foremost prince of the Ken, 
The garter' d, sought the grave. 870 

Certain is death to all ; 'tis true, learning survives. 

xci. 
Truly, here is a visitor. Wine and mead on the cloth ! 
The brazen notes to our hurrah. 

A man, the chief of conquerors. Hurrah in the hall, 
Clap hands ; he alights on the steps, — the hero. 875 

Welcome, chief of the Celts. Drop your sistrums quickly, 
Lay down the carpet. Now turn aside the bolt. 
Conduct him from the road. The grass bows in the court- 
yard. 
Wonder among the gapers extends. Ye servants, let the 
horns pour out. 



40 



THE GODODIN. 
XCII. 

See array, high (land), Adowan. 
Carry sacrifice to omen, fire. 
See two, station, quick, heavy fall. 
Command, Nwython, greatly afflict. 
See the men, dawn, dig deep pit. 
Head, Dyvnwal Vrych, raven devour. 



880 Aor ork ol Adonai 
Ns ola om nam as 
Aor [i] sn omd ss khd dk 
Zoa ny [i] tm dg hi 
Aor ais skr hr omk sal 

885 Rs doi nhl bork akl orm 



xcin. 
Gododin, in respect of the demand. 
Presence, hundred, name, deeds, valour. 
Gwarthan, son, Dwynau, gallant bravery. 
Let Tre Essyd be ours, one entire dale. 
Since stabbing, delight, bulwark, battle. 
Since Aneurin, under ground. 
Voice, divorce, Gododin. 



890 



Gododin omk syl 

Ngd mh m [y] t ose hsn 

[I] gr tn bn dvh m-za hsn 

Mi tr Sdai ikd tm gah 

M ot kn rza [h] hma hrb 

M ot orm tht adm 

K-l [1] krt Gododin. 



Echo speaks, formidable dragon, like weapon. 
Fair game, played front, unclaimed course, 

Gododin. 
Profuse, bring supply, wine, tents, benefit, 

native. 895 

Season of storm, so long as trickle vessels. 
Army well nourished, host continue, drop in. 
Splendid troop, warrior, success against hundred 

men, 
Led from Dindovydd Dyvneint. 
Before Doleu, battle, worn-out shield, batter 

helmets. 900 

xcv. (See lxxxix.) 
xcvi. 
On account, pierce, skill, most learned. 



Zl sphr ira k tn kli 

Pr rb hag-pn drk 1 sal 

Gododin 
Shadai nis mniin ahl Kn gr 

Hota syr bod hrph kla 

Zb roa Aim tm mta 

Ss gph hrb ikl soa ma adm 

Dbr m dm dvd dva nnt 
Ngd dly m nsk ose sr [k] 
kba 



Ol id [y] Kn akl iora isr 



40 

NEW VERSION. 

XCII. 

Light reaches toward the Lord, 880 

Ascending up while sleep mortals. 

Light sleeps at the station whence splendour and glory issue. 
There vision is a wanderer bereft of her lamp. 
Light is darkness calls aloud the grave. 

Conqueror of the black valley ; it is bridged over by capacity 
and intelligence. 885 

XCIII. 

Gododin, deep hole ! 

Spotted tracks, miniature armed figures, 

Excite grief among the weak. Where now, our heroes ? 

I wish the house of God would excite equal daring ! 

Would puppets pierce and wound wise heroes ? 890 

Shall puppet-craft make men underlings ? 

As the twisting of baubles is Chess. 

XCIV. 

This book of shadows, looking to little toys. 

The game and the hogshead divide the way to the grave, — 
Gododin ! 

Did the Almighty spread out the heavens, my Ken neigh- 
bour ? 895 

Wheat and barley, behind harvest do they loiter ? 

fours out God the breath of the south ? 

The swallow's wing, are cherubs able to find out how it is ? 
Whether can man ? 

The bee, in his delightful province, separates the thin wax. 

He leads to the sapling its libations. He made the orders of 
the stars. 900 

xcv. (Same as lxxxix.) 

cxvii. 
Know ye, the Ken people have skill to teach singers ! 

G 



41 

THE GODODIN. ARAMITIC. 

On account, fair corpse, fell on ground. 01 [o] id [y] pri nbl hml arz 

Thrice six officers, judge, atrocious impulse, Sis ss sr-s s pt hta id ot hnn 

hour, matins. 
Morien, lift up again, ancient lance. M-orm ns sn iss Kn 

Roaring, stretch out death. 905 Shga ork mt 

To warriors, Gwyddyl Prydyn. 01 hrb goi od 11 prd 

While toward lovely, slender, blood (stain) body, 01 [o] id [y] ava irk adm 

Gwen. goin nbt 

Sigh, Gwenabwy, only son of Gwen. Nsmt goi nby itm bn goin 

xcvu. 
On account, afflict, skill, most learned. 01 [o] id [y] Kn akl ior [a] 

Grievous, deep, fell to ground. 910 Ina omk oml adm 
Banner, pomp, unfurl, bear, man, flank. Aot gah [o] rky ns as ark 

Tumultuous scene, see Eiddyn, battle-field. 01 ar idy br nsk 

Grasp, deeds, valour (perform), Gryph ose mza 

On Cynb Gwyddel and Prydyn. Knt goi od [y] 11 prd 

Middle, with mane, wolf, without club. 915 Grph bd zb [a] bl sbt 
Hand, gorgeously emblazon robe. Id [y] adr zbyot sml 

Fain would I sing, would that Morien (not) died. Mi ava sr mi orm mt 
I sigh, of Gwenaby, son of Gwen. Nsmt goi nby bn goin 



41 

NEW VERSION. 

Know ye, they make fruitful the fools and mean of the earth ! 
Thirty-six songs and sixty spread out the learning of the Ken. 

May skill bring out the conquering Ken ! 

Singers of continued migrations, 905 

Warrior people to the west scattered, . 

Be it extended equally among the simple people, 

The spirit of the sons of prophecy extend among the people. 

xcvu. 
Know ye, the Ken people have skill to teach song. 
May, among ye humble men, 910 

These institutes increased, spread, carried out. 
Lift up, light of the schools, your pure libations, 
The Gryph feats find out. 

Kent-people cast out on the western communes, 
The Gryph separates from the herd a chief. Rest 915 

Knowledge, semblance of a flock in long tracks, 
May pleasing knowledge and skill move 
The spirit of prophecy forward among the people. 



Macintosh, Printer, Great New-street, London. 



ERRATA. 

Page. Line. 

viii. 6, for headed, -read handed, 
ix. 15, for Part I., read " Suggestions," Part I. 
x. 4, for n (Hebr.), read ch. 

„ 29, for order. Corn-ear is, read order, corn-ear as. 
„ 40, for 263, read 266. 
8, for their, read our. 
45, for iEetas, read iEetes. 
94, for for, read four. 
195, for Bretons, read Britons. 
224, for peace, read piece. 
266, for father, read bather. 
ib., omit the ( . ) 
280, for of, read off. 

410, for parentage, read by parentage. 
460, for night, halt, read night-halt. 
551, for Hamon, read Ham on. 

628, for song, read song to dear neighbours. 
637, after " separates" omit (,). 

£ . ' > These are various readings. 

854, /or Van, read Yen. 

911, ybr institutes, read institutes be. 

Left-hand page, 
183, for nights, read knights. 
251, various readings. 

411, for out, read cut. 
907, for nbt, read nbl. 

P. 8. 1. 8 from bottom, for forques, read torques. 



